Nigeria frees over 300 abductees in its 'largest single-day rescue operation'

Nigeria's president announced on August 5 that at least 308 people abducted in separate attacks across the country's north had been rescued by security forces. Officials described it as the largest rescue operation ever carried out in the country on a single day.

Among those freed were 163 people taken from Woro community in February 2026, along with 145 people kidnapped mostly from Niger state. The operation is being framed as the culmination of months of intensified security efforts in the region.

Nigeria has struggled with rising mass abductions in its northern regions in recent years. The government says it has stepped up security spending, while human rights groups continue to call for lasting solutions to protect civilians in affected communities.