Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack in Borno State, the Nigerian Army has announced.
The students and their teachers were kidnapped during an Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday, June 29, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., while the students were writing their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) at the Government Day Secondary School.
One teacher was killed and another injured during the attack.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed in a statement issued via @HQNigerianArmy that the military responded swiftly upon receiving news of the incident, stating:
“Immediately upon receipt of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.”
He added:
“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around DAGGU, and after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of ten victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support.”
However, the rescue operation came at a cost, as Captain Goni regretfully confirmed that one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists.
Efforts are said to be ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The post is below:
TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI RESCUE ABDUCTED NECO CANDIDATES IN LASSA, INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR REMAINING VICTIM
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa… pic.twitter.com/amqDYhwcgu
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) June 29, 2026
