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 Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, explaining that 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 immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying ground troops alongside strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The security forces 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 of the abducted candidates and teachers unharmed.

> “The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement said.

The military said efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

During the operation, troops reportedly overpowered the terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles believed to have been used during the attack, significantly disrupting the insurgents’ escape.

However, the operation recorded the loss 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 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 incident as another sign of the desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained pressure from ongoing counter-terrorism operations, noting that the insurgents have increasingly resorted to attacking soft civilian targets.

It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and sustaining efforts to restore 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 while operations continue.