file image: Some of the rescued students
By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted during a terrorist attack on Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday morning.
The military, however, confirmed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during a fierce gun battle with the fleeing terrorists.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), riding on motorcycles, invaded Lassa community at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday and attacked the Technical Secondary School where students were writing their NECO examinations.
The attackers reportedly opened fire, causing panic among students, teachers and residents. A teacher was killed during the assault, while several students and teachers were abducted.
Goni said troops swiftly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation after receiving reports of the attack, deploying both ground forces and air assets, including strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
He said the troops, guided by aerial surveillance, intercepted the terrorists near Daggu, where a firefight ensued, leading to the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims.
“The rescued victims were unharmed and are currently receiving the necessary care and support,” Goni said, adding that operations were continuing to rescue those still in captivity and apprehend the attackers.
He also revealed that troops inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists during the encounter and recovered seven motorcycles used in the attack, disrupting their escape.
Despite the success of the operation, Goni said one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives while defending civilians.
He praised the courage of the troops and local volunteers, describing their sacrifice as a demonstration of their commitment to protecting communities and restoring peace across the North-East.
The military spokesman added that Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified operations against the terrorists while strengthening security around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar attacks.
He noted that the latest assault reflected the growing desperation of terrorist groups, which have increasingly targeted soft civilian populations under sustained military pressure.
The attack has renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity in communities along the Borno-Adamawa border despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
