Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates, Teachers After ISWAP Attack on Borno School

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists during an attack on the Technical Secondary School in Lassa Community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday while students were writing their NECO examinations. The terrorists stormed the school, causing panic among candidates and staff before abducting several students and teachers and fleeing into the surrounding bush.

Following a distress report, the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. The Nigerian Air Force deployed strike aircraft alongside Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to support troops on the ground in tracking the fleeing insurgents.

The pursuing troops eventually made contact with the terrorists around the Daggu axis, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. According to the military, the troops outmanoeuvred the insurgents, inflicted heavy casualties on them, and forced the terrorists to abandon some of their captives while retreating deeper into the bush.

The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, comprising both students and teachers. The military confirmed that all those rescued were recovered unharmed.

The incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing communities and educational institutions in parts of northeastern Nigeria, where insurgent attacks continue to threaten lives and disrupt learning.

Security operations in the area remain ongoing as troops continue efforts to track down the fleeing terrorists and ensure the safety of residents and schools across the region.