No fewer than 176 people abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending months in captivity. The development was confirmed by the Kwara State Government, which praised the efforts of security agencies and all those involved in securing the victims’ release.

The victims, most of whom are women and children, were kidnapped when armed attackers stormed the two communities during a deadly assault earlier this year. The attack claimed many lives and displaced residents, prompting sustained rescue efforts by security agencies. The government expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military and other stakeholders for their roles in achieving the breakthrough.

Speaking on the development, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications Bola Olukoju said efforts to secure the victims’ freedom had been ongoing for months. She explained that the exact number of those released would be confirmed after the military, which currently has custody of the victims, completes the necessary documentation and handover process.

The release brings relief to families who had waited for months for news of their loved ones after the mass abduction. Authorities have not yet disclosed further operational details, but the state government described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against insecurity and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to protect communities across Kwara State.