Suspected Boko Haram terrorists, formally known as Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, have released a chilling video showing 176 abducted victims allegedly seized from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The captives, paraded in the footage, include women, children, and a nursing mother—many appearing visibly traumatised and in distress.
The video, obtained by SaharaReporters, shows one of the armed men interrogating several female captives in Hausa, demanding they identify where they were kidnapped. One after another, three women—including a nursing mother—state that they were abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Behind them, dozens of women and children stand in rows. Their clothing appears worn and soiled, suggesting prolonged exposure to harsh and unsanitary conditions. Some of the children are barefoot, and several are seen without trousers. Their expressions reflect fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty about their fate.
Dispute Over Number of Victims
During the video, one of the terrorists accuses the Kwara State Government of deliberately misleading the public regarding the scale of the abduction. According to him, state authorities claimed that only between 20 and 30 persons were kidnapped during the attack. He insists that the true number of captives in their custody stands at 176.
“The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and to the whole world,” the masked gunman alleges in the footage, asserting that officials grossly underreported the number of abducted persons.
As of the time this report was filed, the Kwara State Government had not issued a formal response addressing the claims made in the video or clarifying the exact number of victims abducted from Woro.
The release of the footage has reignited concerns about deteriorating security conditions in Kaiama Local Government Area and across Kwara North and Kwara South Senatorial Districts. Residents in these regions have repeatedly warned of growing infiltration by armed groups allegedly operating along porous interstate and transnational corridors.
The February 4 Massacre
The abduction video follows a deadly assault on Woro community earlier this month. On February 4, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that dozens of residents were killed during a coordinated attack by suspected Sahel-backed terrorists.
Among those killed were two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam of the community, a school principal, a headmistress, and students who had only just returned home from school. The scale and brutality of the killings shocked residents and security observers alike.
The Emir of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, remains missing. His disappearance has fueled fears that he may have been abducted or killed during the attack. His official vehicle was reportedly seized by the attackers and allegedly used to transport abducted victims to unknown destinations. The Emir’s palace was also set ablaze.
Video footage from the aftermath of the attack showed several lifeless bodies lying on the ground, while buildings—including parts of the palace—burned in the background. Voices captured in the footage lamented the destruction and confirmed that the Emir was unaccounted for, while members of his immediate family had been killed.
Indiscriminate Killings and Extreme Violence
Sources indicate that the attackers stormed Woro on a Tuesday evening, unleashing indiscriminate violence. Residents and travellers passing through the community were reportedly targeted without distinction.
“They were killing anyone they met,” one source said, describing the chaos and terror that gripped the town.
Farmers and traders who had travelled from Ilorin for agricultural and commercial activities were among the victims. Some were reportedly ambushed and had their throats slit. Students who had just returned from school were also not spared. The Chief Imam of Woro, a prominent religious leader, was killed alongside key educational figures in the community, including a school principal and a headmistress.
After the initial massacre, the attackers allegedly returned to the community to target survivors and those who had come back to assess the damage to their homes or search for missing relatives. This second wave of violence deepened the tragedy and further destabilised the area.
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Alleged Link to Sadiku-Led Faction
Investigations suggest that the attack may be linked to a faction of Boko Haram allegedly led by an individual identified as Sadiku. The group is suspected of maintaining operational ties with extremist networks operating across the Sahel region.
Multiple sources indicate that tensions had been building for months before the massacre. The armed group reportedly attempted to impose its extremist teachings on Woro residents, allegedly compelling them to attend sermons and adopt radical ideologies.
The Emir, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, was said to have resisted these efforts. He reportedly refused to cooperate with the group and alerted Nigerian military authorities about their activities, including allegations of coercion, forced preaching, and intimidation of residents.
This refusal and his reported collaboration with security agencies are believed to have angered the militants, potentially triggering a retaliatory operation.
Security Response and Tactical Retreat
During the attack, security forces reportedly responded to distress calls from Woro. However, sources say they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of attackers.
More than 200 heavily armed fighters are said to have stormed the community. Facing superior numbers and firepower, military personnel allegedly carried out a tactical retreat to avoid being completely overrun.
This withdrawal reportedly left the community exposed for several hours, during which mass killings, abductions, and widespread destruction occurred.
The terrorists reportedly operated freely during this period, burning homes and key structures while rounding up captives. The subsequent release of the abduction video appears intended to demonstrate their operational strength and to challenge official narratives regarding the scale of the incident.
Renewed Fears Across Kwara
The latest developments have heightened anxiety across Kaiama Local Government Area and surrounding districts. Residents fear that the attack on Woro may signal a broader expansion of extremist operations into parts of Kwara State previously considered relatively stable compared to Nigeria’s northeastern insurgency hotspots.
Security analysts warn that the alleged involvement of a Sahel-linked faction underscores the growing regionalisation of armed extremist networks. The porous borders between Nigeria and neighbouring countries in the Sahel have long been cited as facilitating the movement of fighters, arms, and logistics.
The claim that 176 individuals remain in captivity, if verified, would mark one of the largest mass abductions in the region in recent years. The absence of immediate official clarification has further fueled speculation and public concern.
For families of the abducted, the video offers painful confirmation that their loved ones are alive—but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding their release.
As authorities assess the situation, pressure is mounting on the Kwara State Government and federal security agencies to provide clarity on the number of victims, the status of rescue efforts, and the measures being implemented to prevent further attacks.
The events in Woro reflect not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a critical test of Nigeria’s capacity to respond decisively to evolving insurgent threats. Clear communication, coordinated security operations, and sustained community engagement will be essential in restoring confidence and stability in the affected region.
