By Ayodele Oni
A coordinated search by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has led to the rescue of 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 Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. while students of the Technical Secondary School were writing their NECO examinations.
According to the statement, the Theatre Command immediately activated a coordinated search and rescue mission by deploying ground troops alongside strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
The operation led troops to make contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
The troops, guided by aerial surveillance, successfully rescued 10 abducted victims unharmed.
The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support.
Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
During the encounter, troops reportedly outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and captured seven motorcycles used during the attack, significantly disrupting the terrorists’ escape.
The operation, however, recorded casualties on the side of the security forces.
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.
“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,” the statement said.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops, working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, have intensified operations across the area, while reinforcing security around vulnerable communities and schools to prevent similar attacks.
The military described the attack as another indication of the desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained pressure from ongoing counterterrorism operations, noting that the insurgents have increasingly resorted to targeting soft civilian locations.
Despite the attack, the military reaffirmed its determination to dismantle terrorist networks and sustain efforts aimed at restoring 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 regarding the incident while ongoing operations continue.
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