Soldiers rescue 10 abducted victims after Borno ISWAP attack

Troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 10 students and teachers who were abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. The victims were taken from the Technical Secondary School in Lassa Community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while participating in National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

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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.

The coordinated air and ground rescue operation was launched immediately after the terrorists stormed the school around 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The military scrambled strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to support troops mobilized to the area. Guided by the aerial platforms, the ground troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists near Daggu, resulting in a fierce gun battle.

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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.

During the encounter, troops inflicted casualties on the terrorists and captured seven motorcycles used in their attempted escape. The 10 rescued victims were unharmed and are receiving support. However, the operation resulted in the tragic loss of one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who made the "supreme sacrifice" during the intense firefight. Security forces have intensified operations to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible, while also strengthening security around vulnerable settlements and educational institutions.

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During the contact, troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape.