Boko Haram Parades 176 Abducted Victims from Kwara Community in New Video

Insurgents Release Disturbing Footage of Captives

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have released a video purportedly showing 176 abducted victims from the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The video, which surfaced on February 14, 2026, depicts a large group of women and children, many appearing distressed, as an unidentified speaker interrogates them. This development follows an attack on the Woro community on February 3, 2026, during which several residents were killed and many abducted.

Details Emerge from Captivity Video

The one-minute, 17-second video, reportedly published by Sahara Reporters, shows dozens of female captives and minors gathered in an open area. In the footage, an unseen interrogator, speaking in Hausa, asks the victims about their origin. The captives respond, identifying their abduction location as Woro, within the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. When asked about their numbers, two women state '176'. The insurgents use the video to accuse the Nigerian government of 'lying to people' by claiming a lower number of abductees, suggesting officials had stated only '20 to 30' people were kidnapped. Among those identified in the video is reportedly the wife of Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, the village head of Woro. Many of the children are seen without trousers, and the captives appear dishevelled and in worn clothing, indicating harsh conditions.

Kwara State Government Reacts Amidst Verification Efforts

The Kwara State government has expressed 'deep concern' over the disturbing video. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, the government reaffirmed its 'commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted'. The statement acknowledged that there have been 'varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted', leading to neither the state government nor security agencies announcing a definitive figure. Security agencies are reportedly reviewing the footage to verify its authenticity and identify the individuals shown. The government's response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, is actively collaborating with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate rescue efforts and provide humanitarian support.

Context of Insecurity in Kwara State

The abduction and subsequent video highlight a concerning escalation of insecurity in Kwara State, a region not traditionally considered a major stronghold for Boko Haram compared to Nigeria's North-East. The attack on Woro community on February 3, 2026, resulted in significant casualties, including the killing of two wives and children of the traditional ruler, as well as other prominent community members. Reports suggest that the attack may have been carried out by the Sadiku faction of Boko Haram, possibly in retaliation for recent counterterrorism operations. There were also claims that the group had previously sent a letter to the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, indicating their intention to visit the community for 'preaching' weeks before the deadly assault.