Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, when terrorists stormed the Technical Secondary School while students were sitting for their examinations. Following the incident, the Theatre Command immediately deployed troops supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
According to the military, the troops, guided by air support, engaged the fleeing terrorists around Daggu. After a fierce gun battle, ten abducted victims were successfully rescued unharmed. The rescued students and teachers are currently receiving the necessary care, while efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining victim.
During the operation, the troops overpowered the terrorists, inflicted casualties on them, and recovered seven motorcycles used by the attackers, significantly disrupting their escape. However, one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of fire.
The military said security forces, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, have intensified operations against the terrorists. Additional security measures have also been put in place to protect vulnerable communities, schools, and other public facilities from further attacks.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that the attack reflects the desperation of terrorist groups, who have increasingly targeted soft targets such as schools after suffering sustained pressure from ongoing military operations. The command stressed that such attacks would not weaken its determination to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across the North-East.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, securing critical national infrastructure, and creating a safe environment for education and other essential services. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide timely and credible information to security agencies, and rely only on official updates regarding the incident while ongoing operations continue.