TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI RESCUE ABDUCTED NECO CANDIDATES IN LASSA, INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR REMAINING VICTIM
MAIDUGURI— Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, have rescued 10 National Examinations Council, NECO, candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, and targeted Technical Secondary School, Lassa, while the students were writing exams.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Theatre Command said it immediately scrambled strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support ground troops mobilized for a coordinated search and rescue operation.
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“With support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, troops made contact with the terrorists around Daggu. After a firefight, the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims who were unhurt and are currently receiving necessary care and support,” the statement read.
Troops also outmaneuvered the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties and capturing seven motorcycles, thereby disrupting their escape.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Regrettably, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire.
Captain Goni said their courage and selflessness exemplify the resolve of security forces and local volunteers who risk their lives daily to protect citizens and restore peace across the North East.
The statement added that, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, troops have intensified operations and reinforced security measures around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent recurrence.
“The incident underscores the desperation of terrorist groups who, faced with sustained military pressure, have resorted to attacking soft targets. However, such cowardly acts will neither deter OPHK’s resolve nor diminish its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace,” Goni said.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its mandate to protect civilians, safeguard critical infrastructure, and create a secure environment for education and other essential services. The public was urged to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies, and disregard unverified reports on the incident.
End
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 29TH 2026)
