The Kwara State Police Command has disputed claims that 176 residents were abducted during the attack on Woro and nearby Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, saying the figure has not been verified by security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, made the clarification in Ilorin on Friday, explaining that while authorities confirmed that residents were taken away during the attack, the exact number of victims remains unknown.
Adekimi said the reported figure did not come from any official security assessment, adding that the number may have emerged from a video circulated by the attackers showing some of the abducted persons.
He explained that residents who watched the footage were only able to identify a few individuals, including the wife of a traditional ruler, making it difficult for security agencies to confirm the claim.
“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,” the commissioner said.
The police chief assured families of victims that security operations were continuing to locate and rescue anyone still being held by the attackers.
His comments came after relatives of victims and community leaders renewed calls for urgent intervention, claiming that many residents abducted during the February 2026 attack remained in captivity.
The attack on Woro community reportedly involved armed assailants who invaded the area, killing residents, destroying properties and taking several people away.
Meanwhile, Adekimi disclosed that security agencies had intensified operations around Borgu Local Government Area of neighbouring Niger State, following intelligence reports that terrorist groups, including Lakurawa, Ansaru and Boko Haram elements, were operating in the area.
He said the groups were not based in Kwara but were believed to have established hideouts around the Borgu axis, where security forces were currently carrying out operations.
The police commissioner said ongoing efforts were focused on dismantling the criminal networks and ensuring the safe return of victims still in captivity.
