Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued seven students who were kidnapped from Government Day Secondary School in Lassa town, Askira/Uba LGA of Borno state on Monday morning.
Gunmen attacked the school while the students were taking the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO).
A statement by Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said after the incident was reported, troops mobilised to the area for rescue operation alongside air component of the operation
Goni said there was intense exchange of gunfire between soldiers and the fleeing terrorists.
The information officer said a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force “made the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists”.
Goni said 10 students were rescued and that the efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim.
“Immediately upon receipt 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 statement reads.
“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.”
