Security Operatives Rescue Seven Abducted Students in Borno

June 29 () — Relief came to families in Lassa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, on Monday after security operatives rescued seven students who were abducted by suspected terrorists during an attack on Lassa Day Secondary School while candidates were sitting the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

The students were rescued during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as security agencies intensified efforts to track down the attackers and secure the release of other victims.

Confirming the development, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said rescue operations were still underway and that authorities were yet to determine the identities and gender of the rescued students.

“For now, seven of them have been rescued. We cannot confirm their gender yet. Assessment is still ongoing,” Tar said.

Earlier on Monday, heavily armed terrorists stormed the school during the examination, opening fire and causing panic among students, teachers and residents of the border community with neighbouring Adamawa State.

The attack claimed the life of a male teacher, while a female teacher sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed that the terrorists attacked the school at about 9:00 a.m., adding that security operatives confronted the assailants, preventing what could have been a larger-scale abduction.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed the Area Commander in Askira/Uba to coordinate ongoing operations, while security personnel commenced a search of nearby bushes in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.

The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the attackers, who allegedly wore military and forest guard uniforms, killed one teacher, injured another and abducted students as well as some women trading within the school premises.

Monday’s attack is the latest in a string of assaults on schools in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. On May 15, terrorists abducted 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same council area.

More than six weeks later, the children remain in captivity, underscoring the persistent security challenges confronting communities in southern Borno.

While the rescue of the seven students has brought hope to their families, security authorities said operations are continuing to locate the remaining abductees and ensure they are returned safely.