Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an 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 victims were rescued during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation launched after the attack on the Technical Secondary School, where students were writing their NECO examinations on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m., prompting the Theatre Command to immediately deploy troops, supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
The statement said troops, guided by aerial surveillance, established contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to a fierce gun battle that resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims.
The rescued candidates and teachers were said to be unharmed and are currently receiving appropriate care, while efforts have been intensified to rescue the remaining abducted victim.
During the operation, troops reportedly outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles used by the attackers, significantly disrupting their escape.
The military, however, disclosed that one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the exchange of fire with the terrorists.
The statement described the fallen personnel as heroes whose courage, sacrifice and commitment reflected the determination of security forces and local volunteers working to restore peace across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI said it had intensified ongoing operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent similar incidents.
It added that security had been reinforced in the affected communities to protect schools, vulnerable populations and other potential targets.
According to the military, the attack underscores what it described as the increasing desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained military pressure, leading them to target schools and other soft targets in an attempt to sustain their campaign of violence.
The military maintained that such attacks would not weaken ongoing counter-terrorism operations or its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks across the region.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for education and other essential services.
The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, while advising them to disregard unverified reports and rely on official updates as operations continue.
