No fewer than 176 women and children abducted by suspected terrorists from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending nearly six months in captivity.
The Kwara State Government announced the development on Wednesday, crediting the successful operation to the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s media aide, Olayinka Fafoluyi, celebrated the rescue, saying:”Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful.”
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State and Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, confirmed the release, describing it as a moment of relief for the affected families.
He disclosed that the victims were being kept at the Wawa Military Cantonment in neighbouring Niger State before being transported back to Kwara.
“Yes, it’s true that they have been released, and I can’t tell for now whether ransom was paid or not.
”They are currently in Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State because our people are not the only victims released, ” he said.
Danladi added that arrangements were already underway to bring the victims back to Ilorin.
A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency, Saidu Baba Ahmed, also welcomed the development, describing it as a huge relief.
“Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very, very excited about this development.
”We give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and our security operatives,” he said.
However, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said he had not received official confirmation of the release at the time he was contacted.
The victims were abducted on February 3, 2026, when suspected terrorists launched a deadly attack on Woro community, killing scores of residents and kidnapping more than 170 women and children.
The assault, regarded as one of the worst attacks in Kwara State in recent years, left between 162 and 170 people dead, while some local sources and the Red Cross estimated the death toll could have reached 200.
The attack also displaced many residents, further highlighting growing security concerns in parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.
