‘The Soldiers’ Firepower Forced the Terrorists to Run’ — Rescued Teacher Recounts Lassa School Ordeal
By Zagazola Makama
A teacher rescued after Monday’s terrorist attack on the Technical Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, has recounted how the overwhelming firepower of troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) forced suspected ISWAP terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.
Speaking after his rescue, the visibly relieved teacher said the swift response by troops prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy.
“There were many soldiers, and they really helped us to escape because they came with gun trucks,” the teacher said.
“Their firepower was what made us escape. They came with heavy firepower, and the terrorists began to run away. They could not even return the fire because the firepower from the soldiers and the team was very, very strong.”
The teacher was among 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers rescued after the terrorists stormed the school at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their examinations.
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Military sources told Zagazola Makama that immediately after receiving reports of the attack, the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, deploying ground troops supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component.
Guided by real-time aerial intelligence, troops intercepted the fleeing terrorists around the Daggu axis, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
The superior firepower of the troops overwhelmed the insurgents, forcing them to abandon some of their captives as they fled. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, comprising students and teachers, all of whom were rescued unharmed.
Troops also recovered seven motorcycles belonging to the terrorists, significantly hampering their mobility during the pursuit.
Military authorities said troops have continued to dominate the general area and all likely escape routes while sustaining pressure on the fleeing terrorists to rescue the remaining abducted victim and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Despite the successful operation, one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce exchange of fire.
Security has since been reinforced across Lassa and surrounding communities, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance to protect schools and other vulnerable locations against further terrorist attacks.