Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the military, the attack occurred around 9 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, when the terrorists targeted the Technical Secondary School while students were sitting for their NECO examinations.
The Nigerian Army said troops were immediately deployed to the area, supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, to conduct a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The troops later engaged the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to the rescue of 10 abducted victims. The military said the victims were unharmed and are receiving necessary care and support.
It added that efforts are ongoing to rescue one remaining victim still in captivity.
During the operation, the troops reportedly inflicted casualties on the terrorists and recovered seven motorcycles used by the fleeing insurgents, disrupting their escape.
The military, however, confirmed that one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the exchange of gunfire with the terrorists.
Operation HADIN KAI said it has intensified operations in collaboration with other security agencies to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent similar incidents. Security has also been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools in the affected area.
The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist groups under sustained pressure from ongoing military operations, insisting that such attacks would not weaken its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks in the North-East.
The Army urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies, and rely on official updates regarding the incident as rescue operations continue.
