The Kwara State Government has confirmed the release of 176 women and children abducted during a deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area earlier this year.

The victims were kidnapped when armed insurgents invaded the communities on February 3, 2026. Their release followed coordinated efforts by security agencies and the government after several months in captivity.

Announcing the development on Wednesday, the Special Assistant to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on New Media, Olayinka Fafoluyi, commended President Bola Tinubu, security forces and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom.

While community leaders had put the number of abductees at 176, the Kwara State Police Command had earlier said it could not independently verify the figure.

The release has been welcomed with relief by residents and families of the victims, who had repeatedly appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their freedom.