Security Operatives Save 7 Abducted NECO Candidates In Borno

Security operatives have rescued seven students who were abducted while sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to credible reports, the successful rescue operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Police, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The development was also confirmed by presidential aide Dada Olusegun in a brief statement shared via his official account.

The students were kidnapped on Monday when suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents stormed the school during the ongoing NECO examinations. The attackers reportedly arrived at about 9 a.m., firing indiscriminately and throwing the school community into panic as students, teachers and residents fled for safety.

During the assault, a teacher was reportedly killed, while another sustained injuries. An unspecified number of students sitting for the examination were taken away by the gunmen.

Confirming the incident earlier, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed that some students remained unaccounted for after the attack. He said security agencies, including the military, the Civilian Joint Task Force and the Area Commander in Askira/Uba, immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing nearby forests to locate the abducted students and apprehend the attackers.

The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, later confirmed that seven of the abducted students had been rescued. He noted that authorities were still assessing the situation and could not immediately confirm the identities or genders of those rescued.

Tar added that efforts were continuing to secure the release of the remaining abducted students, while a government delegation had been dispatched to the affected community to evaluate the situation and reassure residents following the attack.