“I’m Very Hopeful More Successes Lie Ahead,” AbdulRazaq Says After Rescue Of 163 Abductees

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has expressed optimism that more victories will be recorded in the fight against terrorism following the rescue of 163 kidnap victims abducted during the terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who announced the development in a statement on Friday, said the victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park forest through the concerted efforts of security forces.

“I am pleased to announce the freedom of 163 kidnap victims abducted during the unfortunate terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest following concerted efforts by our security forces,” AbdulRazaq said.

He disclosed that about 145 persons abducted in neighbouring Niger State were also rescued during the same operation.

The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the President’s crucial role in securing the victims’ freedom.

“I thank His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the huge role he played in securing the freedom of our compatriots from captivity. About 145 persons abducted in Niger were also rescued in the same operation. We are grateful to Mr. President for his strong interest and support for the rescue operation,” he said.

AbdulRazaq also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force for what he called their gallantry, resilience and strategic collaboration.

“I commend the Office of the National Security Adviser; leadership and personnel of the Department of State Services; the Nigerian Army; and the Nigeria Police Force for their gallantry, resilience and strategic collaboration that culminated in the success we recorded in this rescue operation. We are very proud of our security forces and we will continue to support their efforts to protect the lives of our people,” he added.

According to him, the rescued victims are receiving comprehensive medical care and support at a federal health facility before returning to Kwara.

“The rescued citizens are currently receiving comprehensive medical care and support at a federal health facility. We will be glad to receive them in the state upon the completion of their medical procedures so that we can also offer necessary support to ease their reintegration process,” he said.

The governor urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies to help prevent future attacks, expressing confidence that the ongoing efforts to strengthen security would yield even greater results.

“I urge residents of Kwara to continue to share useful security information with the authorities to forestall these criminal attacks and make our communities safer and more peaceful. I am grateful to President Bola Tinubu for committing more boots and military hardware on ground in our state with the establishment of new military formations. I am very hopeful that more successes lie ahead in our war against the terrorists. We will also continue to collaborate with our security to prevent the recurrence of this ugly trend,” AbdulRazaq stated.