Nigerian security forces have reported significant breakthroughs against various criminal elements, successfully rescuing 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State. Simultaneously, police in Oyo State independently dismantled a kidnapping syndicate, liberating two abducted children in a separate operation, underscoring the nation’s ongoing battle against escalating insecurity.
Heroic Rescue in Borno as Troops Confront ISWAP
The rescue operation in Borno unfolded following a brazen attack yesterday on a Technical Secondary School in Lassa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area. According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), ISWAP terrorists on motorcycles stormed the school around 9 am as students were taking their NECO examinations. The attackers opened fire, tragically killing one teacher and abducting an unspecified number of students and teachers.
In a swift and coordinated response, the Theatre Command of OPHK deployed ground troops and scrambled strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component. This joint effort led to contact with the terrorists near Daggu, resulting in an intense firefight. During the engagement, OPHK troops successfully rescued 10 victims unharmed, who are currently receiving necessary care. Seven motorcycles used by the terrorists were also recovered.
The victory, however, came at a cost. Captain Goni regrettably confirmed that one gallant soldier from Operation Hadin Kai and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the innocent civilians. Efforts are actively ongoing to rescue any remaining abductees and ensure the perpetrators face justice. Operations against the responsible terrorist groups have been intensified, with security measures bolstered across vulnerable communities and schools in the region. Goni highlighted the attack as a sign of desperation from terrorist groups, which, under relentless military pressure, are increasingly targeting soft civilian populations.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another major abduction in the same Askira/Uba LGA, where suspected Boko Haram insurgents abducted 42 students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School just a month prior. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a more proactive and unified approach to insurgency, advocating for stronger coordination among military, police, and intelligence services to effectively combat abductions in the North-East.
Oyo Police Smash Kidnap Syndicate, Rescue Children
Meanwhile, in Nigeria’s South-West, the Oyo State Police Command recorded a significant victory against criminality. A gang of heavily armed men had stormed Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, last Friday, ransacking homes, assaulting residents, and abducting two children.
Responding decisively, Commissioner of Police (CP) Abimbola Olugbenga ordered a comprehensive manhunt. DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Oyo State Police spokesman, stated that the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate was directed to mobilize a joint security team comprising police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters to scour the dense forest areas. The joint team successfully tracked the abductors to their forest hideout. Upon sighting the advancing security forces, the suspects opened fire, initiating a gun duel.
During the exchange, a 25-year-old suspect identified as Umaru Usman sustained gunshot wounds and was subsequently apprehended. Three mobile phones were recovered from him. A follow-up operation on Saturday morning led to the arrest of 28-year-old Abdullahi Ahmed, who also bore gunshot wounds from the previous encounter. Further investigations resulted in the capture of 30-year-old Sunday Idowu, accused of providing logistical support to the gang, and 29-year-old Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, who reportedly traveled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the crime. Crucially, the two abducted children were safely rescued and reunited with their family after receiving medical attention.
In a related development, the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit extended its operations to Ajah, Lagos State, targeting a wanted armed robbery kingpin. Although the suspects managed to evade arrest, a search of their hideout yielded an arsenal of weapons, including two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 live cartridges.
DSP Olayinka confirmed that all four arrested suspects are currently assisting investigators, and prosecution will commence upon the conclusion of investigations. The police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the emergency toll-free line, 615.
NIPSS Kuru Debunks Security Breach Reports
In a separate security update from Jos, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, issued a statement debunking social media reports of a security breach on its premises. Following reports of gunshots heard in the vicinity late Sunday night, Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs, clarified that no breach of the institute’s security perimeter occurred and that all staff, participants, and facilities remained safe. NIPSS confirmed it is working in conjunction with relevant security agencies and advised the public to disregard unverified reports.