Troops Rescue 10 NECO Candidates Abducted by ISWAP in Borno, One Still Missing

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 out of the 11 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, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, noting that the victims were abducted during an attack on students writing their examinations at Technical Secondary School at about 9 a.m.

According to the military, troops immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving ground forces as well as air assets, including strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms under Operation HADIN KAI.

The statement said the troops tracked the fleeing terrorists to the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle before successfully rescuing 10 of the abducted victims.

“The troops, guided by aerial surveillance, successfully rescued 10 abducted victims unharmed. The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement said.

The military added that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim, while also pursuing the attackers.

During the operation, troops reportedly overpowered the terrorists, inflicted casualties and recovered seven motorcycles used by the attackers to aid their escape.

However, the military confirmed that one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the operation.

The statement described their deaths as a sacrifice made in the course of protecting civilians and restoring peace in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI further noted that its forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified ongoing operations in the area and strengthened security around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent further attacks.

It also described the incident as part of increasing desperation by terrorist groups who, under sustained military pressure, are targeting soft civilian locations.

The military reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks in the North-East and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.