By Our Defence Correspondent
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying troops have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victim and track down those responsible for the attack.
According to the statement, the terrorists attacked the Technical Secondary School in Lassa at about 9 a.m. while students were writing their examinations, forcing security forces to launch an immediate search and rescue operation.
Following reports of the incident, the Theatre Command deployed strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support ground troops mobilised to the area.
The troops, aided by aerial surveillance and guidance, reportedly made contact with the fleeing terrorists around the Daggu area, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Military authorities said the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unharmed and are currently receiving necessary care and support.
The troops also outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists during the encounter, inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven motorcycles used in their attempted escape.
However, the military disclosed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of fire.
The statement described the fallen personnel as gallant heroes whose courage, sacrifice and dedication reflected the determination of security forces and local volunteers working to restore peace across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, have sustained pressure on the terrorist elements responsible for the attack while reinforcing security measures in vulnerable communities and schools.
The military noted that the attack demonstrated the desperation of terrorist groups facing increasing pressure from ongoing operations, accusing them of resorting to attacks on soft targets in a bid to remain relevant.
It maintained that such actions would not weaken the resolve of security forces to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
The command assured residents that operations were ongoing and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
It also cautioned against the spread of unverified reports and misinformation, advising the public to rely only on official updates as efforts continue to rescue the remaining abducted victim.
