Nigerian troops have rescued 10 students abducted during Monday’s terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining victim.
The students were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination when suspected ISWAP terrorists stormed the school, firing sporadically and forcing students and teachers into the bush.
According to a statement by Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, troops launched an immediate air and ground rescue operation after receiving reports of the attack.
He said the Theatre Command deployed strike aircraft alongside Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to support troops pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
“The troops, with support from air platforms providing guidance, made contact around Daggu. After the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 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,” Goni said.
He added that troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them and recovered seven motorcycles used during the attack, disrupting their escape.
The military, however, confirmed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the operation.
“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice,” the statement added.
Goni said security had been reinforced across the area, while operations to track down the attackers and prevent similar incidents had been intensified. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
Meanwhile, the school’s Vice Principal, Paul Namaske, recounted how military intervention helped save many of those abducted.
“When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents began to disperse. We then heard gunshots from soldiers, and the terrorists started running while we escaped. That was how we were rescued,” he said in a video.
Namaske said more than 20 students and two teachers were initially taken into the bush, although he could not confirm the exact number.
“Two teachers and about twenty-something students were taken. I cannot confirm the exact number,” he said.
Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said authorities were still assessing the situation to determine the exact number of abductees.
“For now, seven of them have been rescued. We cannot confirm their gender yet. Assessment is still ongoing,” he said, adding that a government delegation had been sent to Lassa.
The Borno State Police Command also confirmed the attack, with spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso saying security forces responded swiftly, preventing a larger-scale abduction.
“Around 9 a.m., ISWAP attacked Lassa Day Secondary School. They shot sporadically. Security forces confronted them. The Commissioner of Police deployed the Area Commander in Askira/Uba, and they are currently combing the bush,” Daso said.
Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, alleged that the attackers wore military and forest guard uniforms to gain access to the area.
He also claimed one teacher was killed, another injured, and several students and traders were abducted. However, officials have yet to confirm those claims.
The attack is the latest assault on schools in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgent groups continue to target communities despite ongoing military operations.
