Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates, Intensify Search For Remaining Victim
Troops rescue 10 abducted NECO candidates and teachers after an ISWAP attack in Borno, with search efforts continuing for one victim.
Troops rescue 10 abducted NECO candidates and teachers after an ISWAP attack in Borno, with search efforts continuing for one victim.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists attacked the Technical Secondary School at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 June 2026, while the students were writing their examinations.
He said that immediately after receiving reports of the attack, the Theatre Command deployed both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai to support troops mobilised for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Goni stated that, with aerial support providing guidance, the troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to a firefight that resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims.
He said the rescued victims were unharmed and are receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
During the operation, the troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and captured seven motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape.
The military, however, disclosed that one soldier of Operation Hadin Kai and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the exchange of fire with the terrorists.
According to the statement, their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment reflected the determination of security personnel and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North-east.
The statement added that, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, troops had intensified operations and sustained pressure on the terrorist group responsible for the attack.
It also noted that security measures had been reinforced across the affected area to protect vulnerable communities, secure schools and prevent a recurrence.
The military said the attack underscored the desperation of terrorist groups which, under sustained pressure from ongoing military operations, had resorted to attacking soft targets and vulnerable members of society in an attempt to sustain their campaign of terror.
It, however, maintained that such attacks would neither weaken Operation Hadin Kai’s resolve nor diminish its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-east.
The statement further reaffirmed that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to protecting civilians, safeguarding critical national infrastructure and creating a secure environment for educational activities and other essential services.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate prompt operational responses.
The military further advised the public to disregard unverified reports and misinformation relating to the incident and rely only on updates issued through official channels.
