Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates, Teachers After ISWAP Attack In Borno

June 29 () — A soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed while troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during Monday’s attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the rescue followed a coordinated land and air operation launched immediately after the terrorists attacked the Technical Secondary School in Lassa at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their NECO examinations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the Theatre Command swiftly deployed troops alongside strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component to support the search-and-rescue mission.

According to the statement, troops, guided by real-time aerial surveillance, intercepted the fleeing terrorists around the Daggu area, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support.

The troops also outmanoeuvred the terrorists during the encounter, inflicted casualties on them, and captured seven motorcycles used in the attack, significantly disrupting their escape and operational capability.

Operation HADIN KAI said efforts were continuing to rescue the remaining abductee and ensure that all those responsible for the attack were tracked down and brought to justice.

The military, however, disclosed that one soldier attached to Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists.

It described the deceased personnel as gallant heroes whose courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplified the sacrifices being made daily by security forces and local volunteers in the fight against insurgency across the North-East.

The attack on Lassa had earlier sparked widespread concern after terrorists stormed the school during the ongoing NECO examinations, killing a teacher, injuring another, and abducting an unspecified number of students and teachers.

According to the military, security operations have since been intensified in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, while additional measures have been put in place to protect vulnerable communities, safeguard schools, and prevent a recurrence.

Operation HADIN KAI said the latest attack underscored what it described as the desperation of terrorist groups under sustained military pressure, noting that insurgents had increasingly resorted to attacking soft civilian targets in a bid to sustain their campaign of terror.

Despite the latest assault, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism, protecting civilians, and creating a secure environment for education and other socio-economic activities to thrive across the North-East.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, and disregard unverified reports, stressing that only official updates should be relied upon as operations continue.