BREAKING: 176 Kwara abduction victims regain freedom months after attack

The Kwara State Government has confirmed the release of 176 residents who were abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The government disclosed the development on Wednesday through a statement shared on its official Facebook page, bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the abducted residents.

Reacting to the development, the state government wrote, “Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”

The victims were taken hostage after suspected Boko Haram-linked terrorists stormed the two rural communities on motorcycles and launched a coordinated attack that reportedly continued for several hours.

The February attack was described as one of the most devastating incidents recorded in Kwara State, with reports indicating that over 200 people were killed, while others sustained injuries.

Several houses and business premises were also reportedly destroyed during the assault, forcing scores of residents to abandon their communities for safer locations.

Efforts by local vigilantes to confront the attackers were said to have failed as the assailants overpowered them. Some of the vigilantes were reportedly trapped inside their office and burnt.

As of the time of filing this report, the state government had not provided further information on how the 176 victims were rescued or the circumstances surrounding their release.