Tragedy In Borno: Soldier, CJTF Member Killed Rescuing NECO Candidates And Teachers

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the successful rescue of 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and their teachers who were abducted during an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Lassa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The rescue operation was announced on Monday in a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the Army, the attack occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday while students were sitting for their NECO examinations at the Government Technical Secondary School in Lassa.

Following reports of the incident, the Theatre Command immediately deployed troops to the area and activated both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.

The combined ground and air operation led troops to the terrorists’ location around Daggu, where they engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle.

The Army disclosed that the operation resulted in the safe rescue of 10 abducted victims, who were unharmed and are currently receiving appropriate care. Troops also inflicted casualties on the fleeing terrorists and recovered seven motorcycles used during the attack, disrupting their escape.

However, the military confirmed that the operation came at a heavy cost, as one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of fire.

Captain Goni described the fallen personnel as heroes whose courage, sacrifice and commitment reflect the determination of security forces and local volunteers working to restore peace in the North-East.

He added that efforts are continuing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim while ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

The Army said security operations have been intensified across the affected area in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent further attacks, protect schools and safeguard vulnerable communities.

According to the statement, the latest attack highlights the desperation of terrorist groups who, under sustained military pressure, have increasingly targeted soft civilian locations in a bid to spread fear.

Despite the incident, the military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to defeating terrorism, protecting civilians, securing critical infrastructure and creating a safe environment for education and other essential activities to thrive.

The Army also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence to security agencies and disregard unverified reports, stressing that only official updates should be relied upon as operations continue.