Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates in Borno; Two Security Operatives Killed

Troops have successfully rescued 10 abducted National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and their teachers following a terrorist attack on Lassa Government Day Secondary School in Borno State. The operation, however, came at a cost, with two security operatives, a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), losing their lives during the engagement.

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The troops, with support from air platforms providing guidance, made contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

The incident occurred when suspected ISWAP terrorists stormed the school around 9 a.m., disrupting ongoing NECO examinations and abducting students and teachers. Responding swiftly to reports of the attack, troops from Operation Hadin Kai launched a coordinated air and ground search-and-rescue mission. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and strike aircraft provided support to the ground forces.

During a fierce exchange of fire near Daggu, troops outmaneuvered the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties and recovering seven motorcycles used in the attempted escape. The 10 victims were rescued unharmed and are currently receiving medical attention. Efforts are ongoing to locate any remaining abductees.

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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.

Captain Muhammad Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the casualties and the successful rescue. He noted that the attack highlights the persistent targeting of vulnerable communities and schools by terrorist groups. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

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Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice.

The Vice Principal of the affected school, Paul Namaske, recounted the harrowing experience, describing how the terrorists overpowered the school and moved victims into the bush before military air support intervened. He explained that the presence of military aircraft caused the insurgents to disperse, allowing soldiers to engage them and facilitate the escape of students and teachers.

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When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents began to disperse. We then heard gunshots from soldiers, and the terrorists started running while we escaped. That was how we were rescued.