‘A Helicopter Delivered Money To Kidnappers’: Kwara Woro Abductees Contradict FG’s ‘No Ransom’ Rescue Claim

Some of the women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State say a helicopter delivered money to their kidnappers during their six-month captivity.

The claim contradicts the Federal Government’s account that they were freed through a military rescue operation with no ransom paid.

A relative who recently visited some of the freed victims told _SaharaReporters_ that two members of his family were stunned after hearing government officials describe their release as a “successful security operation.”

According to the relative, the abductees said they personally witnessed a helicopter arrive at their camp and drop money for the kidnappers.

“When they heard that the government was claiming they were rescued and that no money was paid, two of my family members were shocked,” the relative said.

“They said a helicopter came while they were in captivity and money was brought to the kidnappers. They saw it, but they were not allowed to touch it. The kidnappers prevented them from going near it. This was about four to five days before they were released.”

The account raises fresh questions about the circumstances of the Woro victims’ release and whether any payment or negotiation occurred.

*Background: Mass Rescue Announced By FG*

The allegations emerged days after Nigerian security forces announced the release of more than 300 abducted Nigerians in what President Bola Tinubu described as the country’s largest single-day hostage rescue operation.

Among those freed were 163 people abducted from Woro during a February attack on the community, alongside 145 other victims taken largely from neighbouring Niger State.

During the mass abduction from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA, 176 people, mostly women and children, were initially taken.

When security operations led to their release, 163 victims were officially handed over. Survivors said 13 victims died during nearly six months in captivity.

The captives endured harsh conditions in the forest: severe hunger with often just one meal a day, no medical care, and exposure to extreme weather until makeshift rain shelters were erected.

Security agencies said the victims were recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park area following a joint operation by the military, police, and counter-terrorism personnel.

The Presidency described the operation as “intelligence-led” and a security success. President Tinubu commended the agencies involved.

The rescued victims were taken for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families. Many were said to be in poor physical condition after months in the forest.

*FG Yet To Address Ransom Allegations*

The government’s account has provided limited details on how the captives were released, including whether negotiations took place or if any money changed hands.