The attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their NECO examinations at the Government Technical Secondary School in the community
KaNo —
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 10 candidates of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and their teachers who were abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa Community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian military disclosed the development on Monday, stating that the victims were freed during a swift and coordinated air and ground rescue mission launched shortly after the insurgents invaded the school.
The attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their NECO examinations at the Government Technical Secondary School in the community.
“Immediately upon receipt of the incident, the Theatre Command scrambled both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation,” Goni said in a statement.
He explained that the combined forces, supported by aerial surveillance, tracked the fleeing terrorists to the vicinity of Daggu, where troops engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support. Efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.
Goni noted that the troops demonstrated tactical superiority during the encounter, outmanoeuvring the insurgents, inflicting casualties on them, and disrupting their escape plan.
However, the operation recorded casualties on the side of security forces. The military confirmed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the exchange of fire.
“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice,” Goni stated.
He described their deaths as a testament to the unwavering commitment of security personnel and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Their sacrifice, he said, reflects “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 region.”
The military further revealed that operations have been intensified in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to track down the remaining abductors and rescue any victims still in captivity.
The statement highlighted that the attack underscores the desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained military pressure, noting that such groups have increasingly targeted soft and vulnerable locations in a bid to maintain relevance.
“The incident further underscores the desperation of terrorist groups who, faced with sustained pressure from ongoing military operations, have resorted to attacking soft targets and vulnerable members of society in a futile attempt to sustain their campaign of terror,” Goni said.
He, however, reaffirmed that such tactics would not weaken the resolve of the military.
“Such cowardly acts will neither deter Operation HADIN KAI’s resolve nor diminish its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East,” he added.
Goni urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified reports, assuring that official updates would continue to be communicated through appropriate channels.
Troops Conduct Patrol Across Farming Communities
Military sources revealed that troops conducted fighting and clearance patrols in Bundur and surrounding villages in the Lake Chad region to enhance the safety of farmers during the ongoing farming season.
The patrol, which took place at about 12:30 p.m. on June 23, was led by the Acting Commander of the 19 Brigade, Col. E.O. Ikang, alongside troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The operation was aimed at dominating the area, reassuring local communities, and providing a secure environment for farming activities, which remain critical to food production in the region.
During the patrol, Ikang engaged directly with farmers, encouraging them to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies for swift response.
He also distributed incentives to farmers as a show of support and reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining robust security measures to protect agricultural communities.
The patrol concluded without incident, with troops returning safely to base after successfully clearing the area.
Military authorities noted that such operations form part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy designed to deny terrorists freedom of movement, strengthen civil-military relations, and stabilise communities affected by years of conflict.
The sustained security efforts are expected to boost farmers’ confidence, encourage increased agricultural productivity, and contribute to improved food security across the North-East.
Troops Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening National Security
In a goodwill message delivered during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026, Shaibu noted that troops remain actively engaged in operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and other security threats.
“Despite the complexity of these security challenges, the Nigerian Army has continued to record notable achievements across the various theatres of operation,” he said.
He added that the dedication and professionalism of officers and soldiers have led to the neutralisation of criminal elements, dismantling of terrorist enclaves, rescue of hostages, and restoration of normalcy in affected communities.
