Seven Abducted NECO Students Rescued in Borno

Security operatives have rescued seven students who were abducted during an attack on a secondary school in Borno State while they were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

The rescue was confirmed by presidential aide Dada Olusegun in a brief statement shared on his official X account.

The operation involved a joint team of personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who have been conducting search-and-rescue operations in the area.

The students were kidnapped on Monday after suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters reportedly stormed Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, located in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

According to reports, the attackers invaded the school at about 9 a.m., firing gunshots and throwing the school community into panic as students were taking their NECO examinations.

The assault reportedly claimed the life of a teacher, while another staff member sustained injuries during the attack.

Following the incident, the Borno State Police Command confirmed that several students remained missing.

Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said security agencies, including the military, the Civilian Joint Task Force and the Area Command in Askira/Uba, immediately launched a coordinated operation to locate the abducted students and apprehend those responsible.

He explained that security personnel have been combing nearby forests and surrounding communities in an effort to rescue the remaining victims.

The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, also confirmed that seven students had so far regained their freedom.

He noted that officials were still assessing the situation and could not immediately provide details about the identities or gender of the rescued students.

Tar added that the state government had dispatched a delegation to Lassa to evaluate the situation, reassure residents and support the affected community.

He further stated that rescue operations remain ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted students.