Army Rescues 10 Borno Students as Two Soldiers Die in ISWAP Battle

MAIDUGURI — Nigerian Army troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 10 abducted National Examinations Council candidates and teachers following a terrorist attack on Lassa Government Day Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. However, the rescue came at a heavy cost: two soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the intense firefight with ISWAP terrorists.

Operation Hadin Kai confirmed the rescue through its official spokesperson, who released a statement on Tuesday commending the troops’ bravery while acknowledging the human cost of the operation. The spokesperson said the gallant soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice to protect innocent students. He added that the rescued students are receiving medical and trauma support.

The attack on Lassa school is the latest in a series of abductions targeting educational institutions across the northeast. Security analysts said ISWAP has deliberately intensified attacks on schools during examination periods, maximising disruption to communities while taking captives who attract significant government and media attention.

A Pattern of School Attacks

Nigeria’s schools have become recurring targets for armed groups across multiple regions. JAS terrorists carried out the Oriire school abductions in Oyo State in May. ISWAP has repeatedly targeted schools in Borno and Yobe. The pattern reflects a deliberate strategy of using education as a battleground, either to punish communities that cooperate with government or to use students as bargaining chips.

Children’s rights organisations said each school abduction permanently damages education participation in affected communities, as parents keep children home for fear of future attacks. The cumulative effect on school enrolment and learning outcomes across conflict-affected northern states has been devastating and is not adequately captured in national education statistics.

Honouring the Fallen

The Army said it will honour the two soldiers and the CJTF member who died during the Lassa rescue operation. Their deaths serve as a reminder of the daily sacrifices made by security personnel in the northeast, where ISWAP continues to mount resistance against Operation Hadin Kai despite significant territorial losses over the past three years.