Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 10 students and teachers who were abducted during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday while sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination after suspected ISWAP terrorists invaded the school.
According to military authorities, the attackers stormed the school at about 9 a.m., disrupting the ongoing examination and forcefully taking away several candidates and members of staff.
Following reports of the incident, security forces immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. The military deployed both ground troops and air surveillance assets to track the fleeing insurgents. The rescue operation led troops to the Daggu area, where they engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle. During the encounter, security personnel were able to overpower the attackers and secure the release of 10 abducted victims.
Military officials disclosed that the rescued students and teachers were not harmed and are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support. However, the operation recorded casualties among security personnel. One soldier attached to Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) reportedly lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire.
The military also recovered several motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the attack, a development officials say disrupted the criminals’ escape plans. Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are still ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and bring those responsible for the attack to justice. The latest incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of schools in Nigeria’s North-East, where attacks by insurgent groups continue to pose serious threats to education and civilian life.
