A soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have been killed during a fierce gun battle with suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists as troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 10 students and teachers abducted during an attack on a secondary school in Borno State.
The victims, comprising final-year students and teachers, were kidnapped on Monday after terrorists stormed the Technical Secondary School in Lassa Community, Askira Uba Local Government Area, while candidates were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.
Confirming the development, the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, said troops launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation following reports of the attack.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said the Theatre Command swiftly deployed strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support ground forces tracking the abductors.
According to Goni, troops intercepted the fleeing terrorists around the Daggu area, where a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued.
“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,” he said.
The military spokesman disclosed that the troops overpowered the terrorists during the encounter, inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents and recovering seven motorcycles used in the operation.
“During the contact, troops out maneuvered the fleeing terrorists inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape,” he added.
Captain Goni, however, confirmed that one soldier and a CJTF operative paid the ultimate price while defending the victims.
“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,” the statement read.
He said troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, had intensified efforts to rescue the remaining abducted victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The military also announced that security had been reinforced around vulnerable communities and educational institutions to prevent similar incidents.
“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,” Goni stated.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to defeating insurgency, he said Operation HADIN KAI remained focused on protecting civilians, securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for education and other essential activities to thrive.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, and rely only on official updates regarding the ongoing operation.
