Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday, June 29, 2026, when the terrorists stormed the Technical Secondary School, Lassa, at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their NECO examination. The insurgents abducted several candidates and teachers before fleeing into the surrounding bush.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops swiftly launched a rescue operation, engaged the fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle, and successfully rescued 10 of the abducted victims.
The military disclosed that the rescue operation came at a cost, as one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists.
Captain Goni described the fallen personnel as courageous and selfless, noting that their sacrifice reflects the commitment of security forces and local volunteers to protecting innocent citizens and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.
He added that troops remain in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists as efforts continue to rescue any remaining abductees and sustain pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.
