JAS Faction Releases Video Claiming 176 Abducted in Kwara’s Kaiama

Suspected fighters of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) have released a video claiming to show some of the 176 women and mostly children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The footage, which surfaced on Friday, was reportedly released by a faction of the insurgent group said to be led by a commander identified as Sadiku. In the video, dozens of visibly distressed women and children are seen gathered in an open area, surrounded by armed men. Three individuals, including a nursing mother, were questioned on camera and asked to confirm their names and community of origin. The captors claimed the victims were taken from Woro in Kaiama LGA and accused the Kwara State Government of misleading the public about the scale of the abduction and reported fatalities. The insurgents alleged that contrary to official statements suggesting a lower number of abductees, they are currently holding 176 captives. They also dismissed claims that some of the victims had died, insisting that those shown in the video were alive. The incident follows the recent deadly attacks on Woro and neighbouring settlements in Kaiama, which left several residents feared dead and many others missing. The attacks have heightened security concerns in parts of Kwara North, an area that has witnessed sporadic incursions by armed groups in recent years. Security agencies had earlier deployed tactical teams to the affected communities, while investigations into the attacks and abductions are ongoing. Authorities are yet to issue an official response to the latest video at the time of filing this report. Community leaders have called for intensified security operations and swift action to secure the safe return of the abducted women and children. The development adds to growing concerns over the spread of insurgent activities beyond traditional conflict zones, raising fresh questions about security in Nigeria’s north-central region.