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

The victims were among candidates sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination at the Technical Secondary School in Lassa when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the community at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

According to a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, troops swiftly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation immediately after receiving reports of the incident.

The military said the Theatre Command deployed both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of OPHK to support ground troops mobilised to the area.

“With support from the air platforms providing guidance overhead, troops made contact with the terrorists around Daggu,” the statement said.

Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, troops successfully rescued 10 of the abducted victims unharmed. The rescued students and teachers are currently receiving necessary care and support.

The military disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

During the operation, troops reportedly outmanoeuvred the fleeing insurgents, inflicted casualties on them and captured seven motorcycles used by the terrorists, significantly disrupting their escape.

However, the military said the operation recorded casualties on the side of the security forces, as one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the intense firefight.

“Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North East,” the statement noted.

Operation HADIN KAI further stated that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, have intensified operations against the terrorists while reinforcing security measures across affected communities to protect schools and other vulnerable targets.

The military described the attack on students as a sign of desperation by terrorist groups facing sustained pressure from ongoing military offensives.

It stressed that attacks on soft targets would not weaken the resolve of the armed forces to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across the North-East region.

Operation HADIN KAI also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate prompt responses to security threats.

The military further advised residents to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official updates regarding the incident as ongoing operations continue in the area.