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Military rescues 10 abducted NECO candidates in Borno, continues search for remaining victims
The Operation HADIN KAI military troops said they have successfully rescued ten of the NECO candidates and teachers who were abducted by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after an attack on Lassa community in Askira/Uba local government area of Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the operation’s North East (Maiduguri) spokesman, Mohammed Goni, who stated that the Monday abduction targeted the school while students were writing exams.
The statement revealed the immediate response of the strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, in support of the 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 victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“During the contact, troops outmaneuvered 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,” the statement read.
“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,” it added.
The statement noted that terrorists have resorted to soft targets due to extreme pressure from military forces against their operations.
“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,” the statement said.
It further noted that such cowardly acts will not deter OPHK’s resolve or 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 statement added.
Goni further urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and misinformation relating to the incident, but to rely instead on updates issued through official channels.
Terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had on Monday morning abducted an unspecified number of students of Lassa Day Secondary School, currently sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO)
The incident which took place in Lassa community, Askira/Uba local government area of Borno State, also saw the abduction of teachers as well as women selling food items within the school premises.
42 students and pupils had earlier on May 16 been abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba local government area of Borno State.
