By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed the rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians from forests in Niger State, describing the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission carried out by Nigeria’s joint security forces and directing security agencies to strengthen early warning systems to prevent future kidnappings.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 were rescued from Niger State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.

The statement said the victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during a joint operation involving the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

“It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team,” the Presidency said.

President Tinubu praised the leadership and personnel of the participating security agencies for what he described as their bravery, professionalism and seamless inter-agency collaboration.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President said.

According to the statement, the rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and other essential medical care at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunification with their families after medical evaluations.

While celebrating the successful rescue, Tinubu directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to prevent similar incidents across the country.

“The President directs security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to avert similar incidents across the country,” the statement added.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, assuring Nigerians that the government would continue mobilising security assets to eliminate threats, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace nationwide.