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Operation HADIN KAI troops have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military, however, said efforts to rescue the latest victim are still underway, while security forces have stepped up operations to track down the fleeing terrorists responsible for the attack. Project reports
The successful rescue operation followed the rapid deployment of ground troops and air assets shortly after terrorists stormed the Lassa Technical Institute on Monday morning, disrupting the ongoing NECO exam.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the North East Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.
Students kidnapped during exam
According to the military, the suspected ISWAP terrorists invaded the Technical Secondary School around 9am while candidates were sitting for the NECO exams.
The insurgents reportedly kidnapped an unknown number of students and teachers before fleeing into nearby bushes.
The attack once again highlighted the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups against educational institutions in the North East, despite ongoing military offensives that have significantly weakened their operational capabilities.
Schools in parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states have been repeatedly targeted by insurgents seeking to instill fear, disrupt education and undermine government efforts to restore normality in communities previously affected by the insurgency.
The military launches an immediate rescue operation
Captain Goni said Theater Command responded immediately after receiving reports of the incident by mobilizing troops to the area.
He explained that attack aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms belonging to the air component of Operation HADIN KAI were deployed to support a coordinated search and rescue mission.
According to him, the information gathered from aerial surveillance allowed the troops to track the movement of terrorists and intercept them near the Daggu community.
“The operation has so far resulted in the rescue of 10 victims, who have remained unharmed and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
Military sources said the coordinated use of air and ground assets played a crucial role in locating fleeing terrorists before they could disappear into their hideouts.
Fierce firefight as troops intercept terrorists
The military revealed that the troops engaged in a violent firefight with the terrorists after intercepting them near Daggu.
During the encounter, the soldiers reportedly prevailed over the insurgents, causing heavy casualties and forcing them to abandon some of their operational equipment.
The recovered items include seven motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the attack and subsequent abduction of the students and teachers.
Security analysts have consistently noted that motorcycles remain a major means of transportation used by insurgents operating in the northeast due to their ability to navigate difficult terrain and evade conventional patrols.
Military authorities said recovering the motorcycles would significantly compromise the terrorists’ mobility and operational capacity.
Soldier, CJTF member killed
Despite the success of the rescue mission, the operation came at a high cost.
Captain Goni confirmed that a soldier serving under Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the firefight with the terrorists.
The military described their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
He praised the courage, patriotism and selflessness displayed by both personnel, saying their commitment to protecting innocent civilians is an example of the resilience and dedication of the security forces fighting insurgency in the North East.
The military expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and promised continued support for their loved ones.
Education is constantly under threat
Monday’s attack once again raised concerns about school safety in parts of the northeast, despite improvements in security across the region.
For more than a decade, Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have deliberately targeted schools, teachers and students as part of their ideological opposition to Western education.
The insurgency resulted in the destruction of hundreds of schools, the displacement of thousands of pupils and teachers, and the disruption of academic activities in several communities.
Incidents such as the abduction of over 270 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014, the abduction of students from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara in Katsina State in 2020, and similar attacks in Niger, Zamfara and Kaduna states highlight the continued vulnerability of educational institutions to criminal and terrorist attacks.
While many abducted students have regained their freedom through military operations and negotiations, security experts say sustained investment in protecting schools remains essential.
The military strengthens security around schools
In Operation HADIN KAI, troops strengthened security around vulnerable communities and educational institutions to prevent similar attacks.
Captain Goni revealed that the military, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders, has intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves in the North East.
He explained that recent military successes have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of rebel groups, forcing them to resort to attacks on easy targets in a desperate bid to remain relevant.
According to him, such attacks reflect the growing desperation of terrorist elements who have suffered repeated losses in recent months.
The military assured residents that operations will continue until all kidnapped victims have been rescued and those responsible are brought to justice.
Residents are urged to support security agencies
Operation HADIN KAI has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.
The military stressed that community cooperation remains one of the most effective tools in fighting insurgencies, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities in their localities.
He also advised the public to ignore unverified reports that could create panic as ongoing rescue operations continue.
The Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defeat terrorism, protect civilians and create a safe environment for education, economic activities and community development across the Northeast.
With one victim still missing, security forces say the search operation remains active, expressing confidence that sustained pressure on the fleeing terrorists will lead to the safe rescue of the remaining prisoners and further weaken rebel operations in the region.
