Troops Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates After ISWAP School Attack in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Borno State.
The military said efforts were ongoing to rescue one remaining victim as troops intensified operations against the fleeing terrorists.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday after terrorists attacked the Technical Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, while students were writing their NECO examination.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Theatre Command immediately deployed ground troops, supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, to launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The statement said troops, guided by aerial surveillance, made contact with the terrorists around the Daggu area, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
The military said the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, who were unharmed and are currently receiving necessary care and support.
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It added that troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists during the encounter, inflicted casualties on them and captured seven motorcycles used by the insurgents, significantly disrupting their escape.
The military, however, disclosed that one soldier of Operation Hadin Kai and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the exchange of fire.
It described the fallen personnel as gallant heroes whose courage, selflessness and commitment reflected the sacrifices being made daily by security forces and local volunteers in the fight against terrorism.
Operation Hadin Kai said troops, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, had reinforced security across the affected communities to protect schools, safeguard civilians and prevent further attacks.
The command noted that the latest attack underscored the desperation of terrorist groups, who have increasingly targeted soft targets as sustained military operations continue to weaken their operational capabilities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism, protecting civilians and creating a secure environment for education and other socio-economic activities across the North-East.
The military also urged residents to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence to security agencies and disregard unverified reports, assuring the public that updates on the ongoing operation would be communicated through official channels.
By PRNigeria
