Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the rescue of 163 victims abducted during the recent terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, following a coordinated security operation.

The governor disclosed that the victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park forest through the combined efforts of security agencies.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to the operation, noting that about 145 other kidnap victims abducted in neighbouring Niger State were also rescued during the exercise.

"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," the governor said.

AbdulRazaq also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as their gallantry, resilience and effective collaboration in securing the victims' freedom.

"I commend the Office of the National Security Adviser, the 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 of this rescue operation. We are proud of our security forces and will continue to support their efforts to protect the lives of our people," he added.

According to the governor, the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and other support at a federal health facility before returning to Kwara State.

"The rescued citizens are currently receiving comprehensive medical care and support at a federal health facility. We look forward to receiving them in the state upon the completion of their medical procedures so that we can also provide the necessary support to ease their reintegration into society," he said.

The governor urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies to help prevent future attacks and improve security across the state.

He also appreciated President Tinubu for strengthening security in Kwara through the establishment of new military formations and the deployment of additional personnel and equipment.

"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 to our state with the establishment of new military formations. I am hopeful that more successes lie ahead in our fight against terrorism, and we will continue to work closely with security agencies to prevent a recurrence of these attacks," AbdulRazaq said.