Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 10 out of 11 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State
The cheering news came from Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, in a statement on Monday, saying the attack occurred at about 9 a.m. while students of the Technical Secondary School were writing their NECO examinations.
According to the statement, the Theatre Command immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation by deploying ground troops, strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
The statement said the troops tracked the fleeing terrorists to the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle, adding: “The troops, guided by aerial surveillance, successfully rescued 10 abducted victims unharmed. The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support.”
The military said efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining abducted victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack, adding during the operation, troops reportedly outmanoeuvred the terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles used during the attack, significantly disrupting their escape.
However, the report said the operation claimed the lives of one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), even as it noted “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”.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, have intensified operations across the affected area while reinforcing security around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar attacks.
Describing the incident as another indication of the desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained pressure from ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the Military said the insurgents have increasingly resorted to attacking soft civilian targets and reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and sustaining efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies and disregard unverified reports and misinformation relating to the incident while operations continue.
Emerging reports indicate that the intensified military operations and reinforced security measures are actively ongoing not only to secure the threatened communities, but also completely neutralize the lingering threats within the North East zone.
