Authorities at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, have released the names of 36 students, 25 females and 11 males who remain in Boko Haram captivity following a brazen attack on Monday during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.
The students were among candidates writing their exams when gunmen stormed the school, abducting them along with teachers.
A rescued teacher told Sahara Reporters that 43 persons were initially taken (41 students and two teachers), leaving 36 students still missing after some rescues.
The Borno State Government confirmed the abducted students are aged between 15 and 18. Their identities have now been made public as security forces intensify efforts to secure their release.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, promptly launched a pursuit operation. They tracked the insurgents into nearby bushes, engaged them in a gun battle, and rescued several victims. Reports indicate that one teacher, a soldier, and a local hunter were killed while resisting the attackers.
The attack has once again highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions in Nigeria’s insurgency-plagued North-East, despite ongoing military operations. Insurgents reportedly infiltrated the community on motorcycles, disguising themselves as soldiers or Forest Guards on market day before striking.
Security agencies, including the military, police, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilantes, continue coordinated efforts to rescue the remaining hostages. The incident follows other recent abductions in the Askira/Uba axis, raising fresh concerns about the persistent threat to schools and communities in southern Borno.
This latest tragedy shows the urgent need for sustained protection of students and teachers in conflict zones as Nigeria grapples with the long-running insurgency.
