All 38 Abducted Kwara Worshippers Rescued After Five Days in Captivity

All Abducted Worshippers Freed in Kwara State

All 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, have been successfully rescued. The victims, who were seized by armed men during an evening prayer service on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, 2025, after five days in captivity.

The rescue operation was the result of a combined effort by various federal and state security agencies, with significant coordination from the highest levels of government.

Presidential Intervention and Security Operations

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally oversaw the efforts to secure the release of the abductees. According to statements from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and President Tinubu himself, the President cancelled a scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to focus on the security situation in Kwara and Kebbi States.

The security forces involved in the successful rescue included the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state. The DSS and the Nigeria Air Force were specifically noted for their roles in the operation, which involved intelligence mapping and aerial surveillance.

Details of the Abduction and Aftermath

The abduction occurred on November 19 when armed men, identified by a survivor as bandits, stormed the church during a prayer service. The assailants reportedly shot sporadically, and a live stream of the service inadvertently captured parts of the attack. During the initial attack, three worshippers were killed, and one person was hospitalized. One survivor recounted the terrifying experience, stating that the attackers 'boasted they were bandits' and 'knew all the routes surrounding all those bushes within Kwara and other cities.'

Following their rescue, the 38 freed individuals, comprising 26 females and 12 males, with ages ranging from five to 67 years old, were taken to the State House Clinic for medical attention. Governor AbdulRazaq expressed immense gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies for their 'hard work' and 'direct initiative' in ensuring the safe return of the worshippers.

Context of Insecurity

This incident is part of a broader pattern of insecurity, including a surge in kidnappings and violent attacks, particularly in Kwara State's border regions with Kogi and Niger states. The successful rescue has brought relief to the community, although concerns about regional security persist.