Boko haram abducts dozens of students in borno state school attack

Dozens of students were forcibly taken during a brazen assault by suspected Boko Haram militants on a public secondary school in Lassa, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. The attack unfolded during a biology examination, catching staff and pupils off guard.

Attack unfolds during critical examination

The heavily armed assailants stormed the school grounds in the early hours, exploiting the bustling atmosphere of Lassa’s weekly market to blend into the crowd. The invaders disrupted the exam and seized a large number of students before fleeing the scene.

Local authorities confirm casualties and abductions

Borno State Police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso verified the incident, noting that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and targeted the school amid the market’s high foot traffic. He confirmed that one teacher lost their life in the violence, while multiple students were abducted.

Military responds with pursuit operation

In the aftermath, Nigerian security forces launched a coordinated manhunt. Mohammed Musa Goni, Deputy Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, reported that a soldier was killed in a clash with the insurgents near Daggu. He also announced the rescue of ten students, who are now receiving medical and psychological support.

The ongoing operations aim to secure the release of remaining hostages and bring those responsible to justice.

Boko Haram’s decade-long insurgency devastates the region

Operating across Nigeria’s northeast since the early 2000s, Boko Haram has waged a relentless armed campaign since 2009, leaving tens of thousands dead. The group’s violent reach has extended into neighboring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, where clashes around Lake Chad have resulted in over 2,000 fatalities. The conflict has also displaced hundreds of thousands, leaving communities grappling with instability and loss.