The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports that 176 residents were abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state, saying security agencies cannot verify the figure.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, made this known while responding to questions on the reported number of victims allegedly kidnapped by terrorists.
According to him, the figure did not originate from any security agency or operative, adding that authorities were still working to establish the actual number of persons affected.
“Regarding the claim that 176 people were kidnapped from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, I honestly do not know the source of that figure because it did not come from any security agency or operative,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the figure may have emerged after a video circulated showing a group of abducted persons who allegedly claimed they were more than 100 in number.
He said residents of Kaiama who watched the video were only able to identify a few individuals among those shown.
“I recall that people from Kaiama said they could recognise only about 10 persons in the video, including the wife of the traditional ruler. Based on that, I cannot confirm that 176 people were actually abducted from Woro,” he added.
Adekimi said the police would not rely on figures allegedly provided by terrorists, stressing that security operations were focused on rescuing anyone still being held captive.
“The story of 176 abductees is one being peddled by the bandits themselves, and I cannot confirm it. What I can assure you is that concerted efforts are being made to secure the release of whoever is currently in the hands of the bandits,” he said.
The police commissioner also disclosed that security agencies had intensified operations around Borgu Local Government Area and neighbouring areas following intelligence reports that suspected terrorist groups had established bases there.
He said intelligence indicated the presence of groups including Lakurawa, Ansaru and Boko Haram around the Borgu axis, adding that the groups were not based in Kwara State.
“These terrorists are not domiciled in Kwara State. Their base is in Borgu Local Government Area and the surrounding axis. Several security operations are currently ongoing there, and many of them are being apprehended,” Adekimi said.
The comments followed renewed appeals by residents and families of victims for intensified rescue efforts after reported negotiations with the abductors failed.
Reports indicated that armed attackers invaded Woro community on Feb. 3, 2026, killing residents, destroying property and abducting several people.
Families of victims alleged that more than N155 million was raised in an attempt to secure the release of the captives, but the abductors reportedly rejected the money and threatened some hostages.
Community representatives have since appealed to security agencies to intensify operations and rescue those still being held.
The Dan Sardaukin Kaiama, Mr Suleiman Bukata, urged authorities to replicate successful rescue operations carried out in neighbouring states and ensure that victims in terrorist camps were not abandoned. (NAN)
