Troops Rescue 10 NECO Candidates After ISWAP School Attack, Soldier and CJTF Member Killed

Troops Rescue 10 NECO Candidates After ISWAP School Attack, Soldier and CJTF Member Killed

Security forces under Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 students and teachers who were abducted during an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a secondary school in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims were seized on Monday morning while the students were sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination at the Technical Secondary School in Lassa community.

Military authorities said the rescue operation was launched immediately after reports of the attack reached the Theatre Command. Ground troops, supported by strike aircraft and intelligence surveillance platforms, tracked the fleeing terrorists into the Daggu axis.

The troops eventually engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon some of the captives as they retreated.

According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, the operation led to the safe rescue of 10 students and teachers.

The victims were reported to be unharmed and have since been placed under medical observation and psychosocial care.

The military also recovered seven motorcycles used by the fleeing terrorists, a development officials said would weaken the group’s movement in the area.

The operation, however, came at a heavy cost. One soldier serving with Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of fire with the terrorists.

The military described both men as heroes whose sacrifice reflected the commitment of security personnel and local volunteers working to protect communities across the North-East.

Operation HADIN KAI said efforts are continuing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim while troops sustain pressure on the terrorists responsible for the attack.

The command added that security has been strengthened around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar attacks, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Military authorities also appealed to the public to rely only on official updates, warning against the spread of unverified information as ongoing operations continue.