Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council candidates and teachers abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa Community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military disclosed on Monday that the victims were rescued during a coordinated air and ground operation launched shortly after the terrorists stormed the Technical Secondary School while students were writing their NECO examinations.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

He said, “Immediately upon receipt of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.”

Goni explained that troops, guided by the overhead air platforms, made contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to a fierce gun battle.

“The operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.

He added that the troops outmanoeuvred the terrorists during the encounter, inflicted casualties on them and captured seven motorcycles used by the insurgents in their attempted escape.

“During the contact, troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape,” the statement said.

He, however, confirmed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the exchange of fire.

“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists,” Goni stated.

He described their sacrifice as a reflection of “the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North East.”

Goni said troops had intensified operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to rescue the remaining abducted victim and track down those responsible for the attack.

He added that security had also been strengthened around the affected community to protect vulnerable settlements and educational institutions.

“The incident further underscores the desperation of terrorist groups who, faced with sustained pressure from ongoing military operations, have resorted to attacking soft targets and vulnerable members of society in a futile attempt to sustain their campaign of terror,” the statement read.

He stressed, however, that “such cowardly acts will neither deter Operation HADIN KAI’s resolve nor diminish its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.”

Goni reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remained committed to protecting civilians, safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring a secure environment for education and other essential services.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies and disregard unverified reports regarding the incident, noting that updates would be issued through official channels as operations continue. (PUNCH)

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