Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 10 NECO candidates and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on a secondary school in Lassa, Borno State, while the Oyo State Police Command also rescued two kidnapped children and dismantled a kidnapping syndicate.
The Borno attack occurred while students were writing their NECO examinations after suspected ISWAP fighters stormed the school, killing a teacher and abducting students and staff.
The military launched a coordinated rescue operation involving ground troops and air support, leading to the safe rescue of 10 victims and the recovery of seven motorcycles used by the attackers.
The operation, however, claimed the lives of a soldier and a Civilian Joint Task Force member during a gun battle with the terrorists.
Military authorities said operations had been intensified to rescue the remaining abductees and strengthen security around vulnerable communities and schools.
In Oyo State, security operatives rescued two children abducted during an attack on Ebinpejo Village in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
A joint operation involving the police, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters tracked the kidnappers to a forest hideout, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of the children.
The police also recovered firearms and ammunition during a separate operation in Lagos targeting a wanted armed robbery suspect, while investigations and prosecution of the suspects are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, dismissed reports of a security breach, saying gunshots heard near its premises did not compromise the safety of staff, participants or facilities.
