Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates After Fierce Gun Battle With ISWAP, Recover Seven Motorcycles
By Passman Akpos
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 abducted National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers following a fierce gun battle with suspected ISWAP terrorists who attacked Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the military, the terrorists stormed the Technical Secondary School at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday while students were writing their NECO examinations, abducting candidates and teachers in a brazen assault that disrupted the examination.
The military said it immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support ground troops.
The rescue operation led troops to the Daggu area, where they engaged the fleeing terrorists in an intense firefight. During the encounter, troops successfully rescued 10 victims unharmed and recovered seven motorcycles belonging to the terrorists, significantly disrupting their escape
Military authorities disclosed that the rescued students and teachers are receiving appropriate care and support, while efforts have been intensified to rescue the remaining abducted victim.
The operation, however, came at a heavy cost. One soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire.
The military described their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice, praising their courage and dedication in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops have continued offensive operations alongside other security agencies to track down the fleeing terrorists and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities and schools.
The command noted that the latest attack reflects the growing desperation of terrorist groups, who have increasingly targeted soft civilian locations as sustained military pressure weakens their operational capabilities.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace, the military said it remains determined to dismantle terrorist networks, protect civilians, and ensure a safe environment for education and other essential activities across the North-East.
The public was urged to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence to security agencies, and rely only on official updates regarding the ongoing operation to avoid the spread of misinformation.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
