Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists during an attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation, however, came at a cost as one gallant soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in the fierce firefight with the insurgents.
Attack During NECO Examination
The terrorists targeted the Technical Secondary School in Lassa at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, while students were writing their NECO examination. They abducted several candidates and teachers before fleeing into the surrounding bush. Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, confirmed the rescue in a statement.
According to the statement, upon receiving the distress report, the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI immediately activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component to support ground troops pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
Rescue Operation and Firefight
Guided by real-time aerial surveillance, troops made contact with the terrorists around the Daggu axis, where a fierce firefight ensued. The troops outmanoeuvred the insurgents, inflicting casualties on the fleeing terrorists and forcing them to abandon some of their captives. The operation led to the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, comprising students and teachers, who were found unharmed and are currently receiving necessary medical attention and psychosocial support.
During the pursuit, troops also recovered seven motorcycles belonging to the terrorists, significantly disrupting their mobility and escape. The statement read: "Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State."
Casualties and Ongoing Efforts
"Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists," the statement added. "Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify 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."
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice. In collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, troops have intensified operations and sustained pressure on the terrorist elements responsible for the attack. Security measures across the affected area have also been reinforced to protect vulnerable communities, safeguard schools and prevent any recurrence.
Context and Call for Vigilance
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. However, such cowardly acts will neither deter OPHK's resolve nor diminish its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mandate to protect civilians, safeguard critical national infrastructure, and create a secure environment for educational activities and other essential services to thrive. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate prompt operational response. The public is also urged to disregard unverified reports and misinformation relating to this incident and rely only on updates issued through official channels, as ongoing operations may necessitate further verified updates.
