The Nigerian military has rescued 10 of the 11 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on a secondary school in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were kidnapped by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists while sitting for the ongoing NECO examinations.
According to military authorities, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by air surveillance and strike aircraft, launched a swift search-and-rescue operation immediately after the attack.
The troops tracked the insurgents to the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the terrorists to abandon most of their captives. Ten abducted candidates and teachers were rescued unharmed.
However, one victim remains unaccounted for, with security forces saying search operations are continuing to ensure the person’s safe return.
The military also disclosed that one soldier and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the rescue operation.
In addition, troops recovered seven motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the attack and subsequent abduction.
The successful rescue has brought relief to families and communities following widespread anxiety over the attack on students writing the nationwide examination. Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victim and sustain operations against insurgents in the North-East.
