Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Lassa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday morning while writing their examinations at the Technical Secondary School in Lassa. According to military authorities, the attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response by troops supported by air assets deployed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
Military sources said strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were scrambled to provide aerial support and real-time intelligence for troops mobilised to the area. The combined operation led security forces to make contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
The military said the operation resulted in the rescue of 10 of the abducted victims, who were unharmed and are currently receiving appropriate care. Efforts are continuing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim.
During the encounter, troops reportedly inflicted casualties on the fleeing terrorists and captured seven motorcycles used during the attack, disrupting their escape.
However, the operation claimed the lives of one soldier attached to Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who were killed while engaging the terrorists.
The military described the fallen personnel as gallant heroes whose courage and sacrifice reflected the commitment of security forces and local volunteers working to restore peace in the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI said it had intensified operations in collaboration with other security agencies to track down those responsible for the attack. Security has also been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar incidents.
The military noted that the attack demonstrated the desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained pressure from ongoing military operations, adding that assaults on soft targets would not weaken the resolve of security forces to dismantle terrorist networks across the region.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, securing educational institutions and safeguarding critical infrastructure. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies while relying only on official updates regarding the incident.
