Nigerian security forces have rescued 308 people abducted in separate incidents in Kwara and Niger states following a coordinated operation in the Kainji Lake National Park area.

The Presidency announced the development on Thursday, describing the operation as one of the largest single-day hostage rescue missions carried out by Nigerian security agencies.

According to the Presidency, 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 victims were kidnapped mainly from communities in Niger State.

The rescue operation reportedly involved personnel from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.

Authorities said the victims were recovered from forest locations around the Kainji Lake National Park axis after an intelligence-led operation targeting areas believed to be used as hideouts by armed groups.

Following their rescue, the victims were taken to Wawa Cantonment for medical examinations and immediate care before their expected handover to the relevant state governments and eventual reunion with their families.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the security agencies involved in the operation, praising their cooperation, intelligence gathering and commitment to securing the release of the captives.

The President also directed security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms and rapid-response operations in communities vulnerable to kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

Many of the rescued victims had reportedly spent months in captivity following attacks on communities in parts of Kwara and Niger states.

The development comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other security threats across parts of northern and North-Central Nigeria.

Authorities said operations against armed groups operating from forests and other difficult terrains would continue as the government intensifies efforts to secure vulnerable communities and rescue remaining captives.