Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates in Borno, Intensify Hunt for Remaining Victim

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining victim.

The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the victims were abducted at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday when suspected ISWAP terrorists attacked the Technical Secondary School in Lassa while students were writing their NECO examinations.

The military said troops responded immediately after receiving reports of the attack, with the Theatre Command deploying strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support ground troops in a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The statement said the troops, guided by aerial surveillance, engaged the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were found unharmed and are currently receiving necessary care and support.

It added that troops outmanoeuvred the terrorists during the gun battle, inflicted casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles used by the insurgents, 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.

It described the deceased personnel as gallant heroes whose courage, selflessness and sacrifice reflected the determination of security forces and local volunteers to protect civilians and restore peace in the North-East.

The statement noted that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, had intensified operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and rescue the remaining abducted victim.

It added that security had also been reinforced around the affected communities to protect schools, vulnerable populations and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

Operation HADIN KAI said the incident underscored the desperation of terrorist groups that had resorted to attacking soft targets as sustained military operations continued to weaken their capabilities.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, securing educational institutions and dismantling terrorist networks across the North-East.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide timely and credible information to security agencies, and disregard unverified reports while relying only on official updates regarding the ongoing operation.