Photos: How Borno NECO Candidates, Teachers Were Rescued – Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the safe and successful rescue of ten 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 rescue was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to him, the 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.

Below is the full statement.

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI RESCUE ABDUCTED NECO CANDIDATES IN LASSA, INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR REMAINING VICTIMS

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued ten 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, which occured at about 0900 hours (9:00 a.m.) on Monday, 29 June 2026, targeted the Technical Secondary School while the students were writing exams. Immediately upon reciept of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircrafts from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.

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, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and bring the perpetrators to justice. During the contact, troops out maneuvered the fleeing terrorists inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape. Regrettably, during the intense firefight, 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. Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify 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 North East.

In collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, troops have intensified operations and sustained pressure on the terrorist elements responsible for the attack. Security measures across the affected area have also been reinforced to protect vulnerable communities, safeguard schools and prevent any recurrence. 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. However, such cowardly acts will neither deter OPHK’s resolve nor diminish its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.

Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mandate to protect civilians, safeguard critical national infrastructure, and create a secure environment for educational activities and other essential services to thrive. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate prompt operational response. The public is also urged to disregard unverified reports and misinformation relating to this incident and rely only on updates issued through official channels, as ongoing operations may necessitate further verified updates.