Nigeria's largest rescue operation frees 308 hostages held by militants in Kwara State

Nigerian forces have conducted what officials are calling the country's largest rescue operation, freeing at least 308 hostages held by jihadi kidnappers in Kwara State. The victims, who were held for six months, described harrowing conditions, including lack of food and forced hiding from helicopters. A significant portion of the rescued individuals, 163, were taken from the Woro community in a February raid where 160 others were killed. Victims believe they were targeted for refusing the kidnappers' religious preachings. The governor of Kwara State confirmed 46 victims are receiving hospital treatment. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between Nigeria's militant Islamic insurgency and its Christian population.

Over 160 Nigerian women and children, held captive by jihadi militants for six months, have been rescued. The captives, abducted on February 3rd from the Woro community, were among over 300 victims freed by Nigerian forces this week. Survivors recounted severe suffering, including starvation and witnessing deaths, with some forced to bury other hostages. A nurse among the freed women assisted in delivering approximately ten babies in the forest hideouts. The militants are believed to have targeted the community for resisting their preachings. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu described the rescue as the "largest rescue operation ever" and pledged intensified efforts against armed gangs. The freed individuals are receiving medical attention and are expected to reunite with their families.