Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers in Borno State after they were kidnapped by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
The students and teachers were abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The terrorists struck Technical Secondary School at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 June 2026, while the students were writing their NECO examinations.
Military Response and Rescue Operation
The Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued via the official Nigerian Army X account (@HQNigerianArmy). According to the statement, the Theatre Command immediately scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.
Captain Goni said: “Immediately upon receipt of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.”
Details of the Attack
The attack targeted the Technical Secondary School in Lassa Community, specifically during the NECO examination period. The terrorists struck at 0900 hours, taking advantage of the school session. The swift response by OPHK troops led to the successful rescue of all ten victims without any casualties reported among the rescued individuals.
The rescued individuals include students who were candidates for the NECO examinations and their teachers. The military operation involved both ground troops and air support, ensuring a comprehensive search and rescue mission.
Context and Security Situation
Borno State has been a hotspot for ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgency, with frequent attacks on schools and communities. The rescue operation underscores the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to combat terrorism and protect civilians, especially students and teachers.
This incident highlights the persistent threat to education in the region, as terrorists continue to target schools during examination periods. The successful rescue by OPHK troops is a significant achievement in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
