Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers who were abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State on Monday.

The victims were seized during a daring morning raid on a Technical Secondary School in the Lassa Community of Askira Uba Local Government Area while students were actively sitting for their exams.

According to an official statement released by the Nigerian Army on Monday, the attack occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m.

In immediate response to the crisis, the Theatre Command deployed a combination of strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to support ground troops mobilized for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Guided by overhead air support, ground troops tracked the terrorists and made contact near the Daggu area. Following a fierce gun battle, troops outmaneuvered the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties and forcing them to abandon seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape.

Ten of the abducted victims were successfully rescued unhurt and are currently receiving medical care and psychological support.

“The operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of ten victims… while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Army statement read.

Regrettably, the military confirmed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire.

The Army described the raid on the school as a “cowardly act” born out of desperation, noting that sustained military pressure has forced terrorist networks to resort to targeting vulnerable communities and educational institutions.

In the wake of the attack, security measures have been heavily reinforced across the affected area to safeguard schools and prevent future disruptions to national examinations. OPHK reiterated its steadfast commitment to restoring lasting peace to the North East and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and rely solely on official updates as clearing operations continue.