Freed hostages from the Woro community in Kwara State have contradicted the federal government’s account of their release, telling relatives that a helicopter delivered money to their captors days before they were freed after nearly six months in captivity.
The abduction occurred in February when gunmen seized 176 people, mostly women and children, from Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. On the day authorities announced the release of more than 300 hostages nationwide, President Bola Tinubu described the operation as the country’s largest single‑day hostage rescue and praised security agencies for an intelligence‑led success. Officials said 163 of the Woro victims were recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park area following a joint operation involving the military, police and counter‑terrorism units, and that no ransom was paid.
A relative who recently visited some of the freed hostages told SaharaReporters that two members of his family were stunned by the official narrative. According to the relative, the former captives said they personally watched a helicopter land in the forest and hand over money to the kidnappers four to five days before their release. The hostages were prevented from approaching the cash. “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 the money.”
Survivors have also recounted harsh conditions during their ordeal. Thirteen hostages died in captivity. The remainder endured severe hunger, often receiving only one meal a day, no medical care and exposure to extreme weather before makeshift rain shelters were erected. After their release, the victims underwent medical evaluation before being reunited with their families; many were in poor physical condition.
The presidency has provided limited detail on exactly how the captives were freed, including whether negotiations took place or whether any payment changed hands. The discrepancy between the hostages’ testimony and the government’s version raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the release and whether any form of negotiation or payment occurred before the victims were handed over. Authorities have not publicly responded to the specific allegation of a helicopter delivery.
