A soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have been killed during a military operation that rescued 10 students and teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists from a secondary school in Borno State.
The victims were among candidates sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations at Lassa Day Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area when gunmen stormed the school on motorcycles, firing sporadically before abducting students, teachers, and women trading within the premises.
Security forces, supported by air and ground assets under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission shortly after the attack.
Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, confirmed that troops successfully rescued 10 abductees after engaging the terrorists near Daggu.
According to him, intelligence, surveillance, and strike aircraft were deployed to support troops on the ground, enabling them to locate the fleeing terrorists and safely recover the victims.
“The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Goni said.
He added that troops recovered seven motorcycles abandoned by the terrorists during the operation.
The military, however, suffered casualties during the fierce gun battle.
“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the CJTF paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists,” he stated.
Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, also confirmed that rescue efforts were continuing, noting that seven victims had initially been accounted for while authorities worked to determine the exact number of those still missing.
The school’s Vice Principal, Paul Namaske, who was among those abducted, recounted how military aircraft disrupted the terrorists’ movement, creating an opportunity for captives to escape.
“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” he said.
Namaske disclosed that the attackers had abducted two teachers and more than 20 students, although he could not confirm the exact number.
The latest attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which described the incident as evidence that Nigeria’s security system requires urgent reform.
The group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, questioned the Federal Government’s security strategy and called on President Bola Tinubu to review the performance of senior security officials.
“HURIWA is compelled to ask the question that millions of Nigerians are asking today: How many more schoolchildren must be kidnapped, killed, traumatised or forced out of classrooms before the Federal Government admits that its present security strategy has failed?” the group said.
Former Senate Leader and Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against insurgency, noting that another 42 students were abducted in Askira/Uba Local Government Area just last month.
Ndume called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and appealed for the safe rescue of all remaining victims kidnapped across the state.
The attack adds to growing concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions despite ongoing military operations.
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A rescue mission saved 10 abducted NECO candidates and teachers—but it came at a painful cost.
A soldier and a CJTF member were killed while confronting suspected ISWAP terrorists who attacked Lassa Day Secondary School in Borno State during examinations.
As rescue efforts continue for those still missing, fresh questions are being asked about the safety of schools in conflict-affected communities.
What more should Nigeria do to protect students and schools from terrorist attacks?
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