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

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted during an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a secondary school in Borno State.

The attack occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, when the insurgents stormed the Technical Secondary School in Lassa Community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, while students were writing their NECO examinations. The gunmen abducted several students and teachers before fleeing into nearby bushes.

Confirming the development, Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission after receiving reports of the attack.

According to him, the military deployed both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to support ground forces tracking the fleeing terrorists.

Using real-time aerial intelligence, security forces intercepted the insurgents around the Daggu axis, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

The troops reportedly overpowered the terrorists, inflicting casualties on them and forcing them to abandon some of their captives during the exchange of fire.

The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, comprising students and teachers, who were found unharmed. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support.

Troops also recovered seven motorcycles belonging to the terrorists, a development the military said significantly disrupted the group's mobility and escape plans.

Captain Goni disclosed that efforts are continuing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim while pursuing those responsible for the attack.

He, however, confirmed that the operation came at a heavy cost, as one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the firefight.

The military described the fallen personnel as courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of innocent civilians and the country's security.

Operation HADIN KAI said it has intensified operations across the North-East in collaboration with other security agencies to track down the fleeing terrorists and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

The military also announced that security has been strengthened around schools and other potential targets in the affected area to ensure the safety of residents and educational activities.

According to the statement, the latest attack reflects the increasing desperation of terrorist groups that have come under sustained pressure from ongoing military operations and are now targeting soft civilian locations in an attempt to sustain their campaign.

The military reassured residents that it remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks, protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence to security agencies and disregard unverified reports, stressing that official updates on the ongoing operation will be communicated through authorised channels.