Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 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 Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists attacked the Technical Secondary School in Lassa at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 while students were writing their NECO examination, abducting 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, who confirmed the rescue in a statement said one gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were k!lled while engaging the terrorists.

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.

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.

"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,” the statement read.

"The attack, which occured at about 0900 hours (9:00 a.m.) on Monday, 29 June 2026, targeted the Technical Secondary School while the students were writing exams. 

"Immediately upon receipt of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircrafts from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.

"The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around DAGGU and after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of ten victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice. 

"During the contact, troops out maneuvered the fleeing terrorists inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape. 

"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. 

"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 

"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. 

"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.”