Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates, Teachers After ISWAP Attack in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 of the 11 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an attack on Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation followed a swift military response after the terrorists stormed the community at about 9 a.m. on Monday while students of the Technical Secondary School were writing their NECO examinations.
Confirming the development, the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the Theatre Command immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission involving ground troops, strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
According to him, the troops tracked the fleeing terrorists to the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“Guided by aerial surveillance, the troops successfully rescued 10 abducted victims unharmed. The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement read.
The military disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
It added that troops outmanoeuvred the terrorists during the operation, inflicted heavy casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles used by the insurgents, significantly disrupting their escape.
However, the operation claimed the lives of one soldier attached to 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 military stated.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, have intensified operations across the affected area while reinforcing security around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar attacks.
The military described the abduction as another indication of the desperation of terrorist groups under sustained pressure from ongoing counterterrorism operations, noting that the insurgents have increasingly resorted to attacking soft civilian targets.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and sustaining operations aimed at 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 relating to the incident as security operations continue.