BREAKING: Troops of Operation Hadin Kai Rescue 10 Abducted NECO Candidates

• Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 10 abducted NECO candidates and teachers following an ISWAP attack in Borno.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted during an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to a statement issued by the military, the attack occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday while students were writing their NECO examinations at the Technical Secondary School. Following the incident, the Theatre Command immediately deployed troops alongside Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and strike platforms to support a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.

The military said troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, engaging them in a fierce gun battle that resulted in the successful rescue of the victims, who were found unharmed and are currently receiving care and support.

During the operation, security forces reportedly inflicted casualties on the terrorists and recovered seven motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape.

However, the military confirmed that one soldier of Operation Hadin Kai and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire.

The operation to rescue the remaining abducted victim is still ongoing, while security has been reinforced across the area to protect schools and vulnerable communities.

The military described the attack as another desperate attempt by terrorist groups to target soft civilian locations but assured Nigerians that troops remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.