Troops foil terrorist attack, recover arms at Benue yam market

Soldiers successfully rescued 10 individuals kidnapped by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants during an attack on a secondary school in Lassa Community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation, part of Operation HADIN KAI, was launched following the militants' assault on the Technical Secondary School where students were taking their National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Upon receiving the incident report, Theatre Command deployed both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to assist ground troops in a coordinated search and rescue mission.

Guided by aerial reconnaissance, the troops located the fleeing terrorists near Daggu, resulting in a confrontation that led to the rescue of 10 victims. These individuals, including students and teachers, were found uninjured and are now receiving medical attention and support. Despite the success, efforts to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators continue. During the engagement, troops managed to outmaneuver the terrorists, causing casualties and seizing seven motorcycles used by the insurgents to flee the scene. However, the operation also resulted in the deaths of one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force due to the intensity of the gunfire exchanged with the militants.

The incident highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region, particularly ISWAP, which continues to target educational institutions and other soft targets despite ongoing military campaigns. Capt. Goni emphasized that such attacks reflect the desperation of these groups, who resort to violence against civilians when facing sustained pressure from security forces. He reiterated the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure the safety of communities, especially schools, which are vital for societal development.

In addition to the Borno operation, security forces in Benue State also conducted a successful counterterrorism operation at Tor Donga Yam Market. Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, thwarted a terrorist attack, neutralizing two suspects and recovering weapons and other materials. The operation was initiated in response to a distress call while troops were performing routine patrols. The two suspects, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were eliminated during the confrontation, and several firearms, ammunition, and personal items were seized. This action helped maintain the safety of traders and residents, allowing normal business activities to resume without interruption.

Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the troops for their professionalism and quick response, noting that their actions prevented potential civilian casualties and economic disruption. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Benue State Civil Protection Guard in supporting law enforcement efforts and encouraged the public to continue providing reliable information to aid security operations. Gara underscored that security is a shared responsibility, requiring the collaboration of all sectors of society to achieve long-term stability in the region.

Both incidents illustrate the broader challenges faced by security forces in combating terrorism in northern Nigeria. While military operations have achieved notable successes, the persistence of terrorist threats necessitates continuous vigilance and coordination between armed forces, local militias, and civilian authorities. As operations continue, the focus remains on rescuing hostages, eliminating militant presence, and reinforcing community protection measures to prevent future attacks. Public cooperation and adherence to official communication channels are also being emphasized to ensure transparency and avoid misinformation during ongoing investigations and recovery efforts.