RismadarVoice Reporters, June 29, 2026
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military disclosed that the attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday when the insurgents stormed the Technical Secondary School in Lassa while students were writing their examinations.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said troops immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation with support from the Air Component of OPHK.
According to the statement, strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were deployed to support ground troops in tracking the fleeing insurgents.
The troops subsequently engaged the terrorists around Daggu, leading to a firefight that resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims.
The rescued candidates and teachers were said to be unhurt and are currently receiving appropriate care, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victim.
During the operation, troops reportedly outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles used by the insurgents during the attack.
The military, however, confirmed that one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the exchange of gunfire.
The statement described their deaths as a supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation and commended their courage and commitment to protecting civilians.
Operation HADIN KAI said it had intensified operations in collaboration with other security agencies to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent similar incidents.
The military also announced that security had been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools in the affected area.
According to the statement, the attack reflects the increasing desperation of terrorist groups under sustained military pressure, noting that insurgents have resorted to targeting soft targets in a bid to sustain their campaign.
It, however, assured residents that such attacks would not weaken the resolve of the military to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across the North-East.
The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, while advising residents to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official updates regarding the ongoing operation.
