Attah Eden and Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council candidates and teachers abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa Community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were freed during a coordinated air and ground operation launched shortly after the insurgents stormed the Technical Secondary School while students were writing their NECO examinations on Monday.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred around 9 a.m., prompting an immediate military response.
“Immediately upon receipt of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation,” he said.
Goni explained that troops, working with aerial surveillance support, tracked the fleeing attackers to the Daggu area, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
“The operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he stated.
He added that troops inflicted casualties on the terrorists and recovered seven motorcycles used during the attempted escape.
“During the contact, troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape,” the statement said.
The military, however, recorded casualties during the operation, with one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force losing their lives.
“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists,” Goni said.
He noted that security had been reinforced around the affected community and schools, while troops continued efforts to rescue the remaining abductees and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Goni also urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies and rely on official updates as operations continue.
