By Stephen Simon
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and their teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The successful operation followed a coordinated air and ground offensive launched shortly after the attack.
The terrorists reportedly stormed the Technical Secondary School on Monday morning while students were writing their NECO examinations, firing sporadically and forcing candidates, teachers and residents to flee. The attack disrupted the examination and triggered an immediate security response.
According to the military, the Theatre Command deployed ground troops, supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, to track the fleeing terrorists into the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle that led to the rescue of the victims.
The military, however, disclosed that the operation came at a heavy cost, with a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) losing their lives during the exchange of fire with the terrorists. The rescued students and teachers were reported to be unharmed and are receiving the necessary care and support.
Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said security forces have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victim believed to be in captivity while also pursuing the fleeing terrorists to prevent further attacks in the area.
The Borno State Police Command said the attackers disguised themselves as traders on the community’s market day before striking the school, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and account for all those affected.
The latest attack has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of the North-East, particularly as schools continue to grapple with threats from insurgents. Authorities have assured residents that security operations will continue until all remaining victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice.
