By SUNTV Global Channel
August 10, 2026
Fresh controversy has emerged over the release of hundreds of Nigerians abducted in Kwara State after some survivors of the Woro kidnapping reportedly told relatives that they witnessed a helicopter delivering money to their captors days before their release.
The claim appears to contradict the Federal Government’s account that the victims were rescued through a successful intelligence-led military operation without the payment of ransom.
According to a relative who recently visited some of the freed victims, two members of his family were reportedly shocked when they heard officials describe the operation as a ransom-free rescue.
The relative said the victims claimed they personally saw a helicopter arrive at the location where they were being held and that money was delivered to the kidnappers.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred about four to five days before the victims were released.
The claims have raised fresh questions about what transpired behind the scenes before the abductees regained their freedom and whether negotiations or financial arrangements were involved.
More than 300 abducted Nigerians were recently released following security operations in the region. Among them were 163 victims abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State during a February attack.
The victims had reportedly spent nearly six months in captivity under extremely difficult conditions, including severe hunger, inadequate medical care and exposure to harsh weather in the forest.
Security authorities said the victims were recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park area following a joint operation involving the military, police and counter-terrorism personnel.
The Presidency described the operation as a major intelligence-led success and commended the security agencies involved.
However, details surrounding the precise circumstances of the victims’ release remain limited.
The new allegations by some survivors, as relayed by their relatives, could therefore intensify calls for greater transparency regarding the operation, particularly on whether negotiations took place and whether any form of payment was made to the kidnappers.
SUNTV Global Channel cannot independently verify the claim that a helicopter delivered money to the kidnappers. The allegation remains attributed to the reported accounts of freed victims and their relatives, pending confirmation from the relevant authorities.
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