Terrorists Raid Borno School, Abduct NECO Candidates

Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, on Monday, abducting an unspecified number of students sitting the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

The attackers reportedly stormed the school at about 9:00 a.m., firing shots into the air and causing fear among students, teachers, and residents. During the assault, they forced an unknown number of candidates into the surrounding bush before fleeing the scene. The Borno school attack also reportedly claimed the life of one teacher, while another teacher suffered injuries.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said authorities are still working to determine the exact number of students taken, adding that several candidates remain unaccounted for. He explained that the armed group launched the attack in the morning and carried out the abduction before escaping.

Daso also stated that the police could not immediately verify reports of additional deaths linked to the incident. However, security agencies have already begun an intensive response to locate the victims.

He disclosed that the Borno school attack has triggered a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the military, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), police officers, and the Area Commander in Askira/Uba. Security personnel are currently searching nearby forests in an effort to rescue the abducted students and arrest those responsible.

The Borno school attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of schools and students in conflict-affected communities, especially during major public examinations. Authorities say rescue efforts remain ongoing, while investigations continue to establish the full extent of the attack.