Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 out of the 11 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists during an attack on Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He said the terrorists attacked the community at about 9 a.m. while students of the Technical Secondary School were writing their NECO examinations.
According to the statement, the Theatre Command swiftly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, deploying ground troops alongside strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
The troops tracked the fleeing terrorists to the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
Guided by aerial surveillance, the security forces successfully rescued 10 of the abducted candidates and teachers without injury.
“The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement said.
The military added that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victim and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The operation claimed the lives of one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
“Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North-East,” the statement added.
Operation HADIN KAI said it has intensified operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders across the affected area. It also noted that security has been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar attacks.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.
The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, and disregard unverified reports and misinformation regarding the incident while operations continue.