TROOPS of the Nigerian Army have rescued 10 students who were kidnapped from Government Day Secondary School in Lassa town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State after terrorists attacked the school while students were writing the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO).
News Point Nigeria reports that gunmen stormed the school on Monday during the examination, abducting students before troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, supported by the Air Component of the operation.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said troops were immediately mobilised to the area after receiving reports of the attack.
According to Goni, both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were deployed to support the ground troops in tracking down the fleeing terrorists and rescuing the abducted victims.
He said the rescue operation led to an intense exchange of gunfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists around Daggu.
The military spokesperson disclosed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the ultimate price during the fierce confrontation with the terrorists.
According to the statement, the coordinated operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted students, all of whom were unharmed and are currently receiving the necessary care and support.
Goni added that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 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.”
The military further disclosed that during the encounter, troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them, and captured seven motorcycles used by the attackers, significantly disrupting their escape.
