INCIDENT REPORT: ARMED ABDUCTION AT LASSA DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL

Location: Lassa Town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria
Date of Incident: Monday, June 29, 2026 | 8:05pm
Time of Incident: Approximately 9:00 a.m. (Local Time)
Reported by: TP-MPF Security Desk
Organization: Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation
Date of Report: June 29, 2026

1. Incident Summary

On Monday morning, June 29, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., suspected armed attackers on motorcycles stormed Government Day Secondary School in Lassa Town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attackers fired sporadically before abducting an unspecified number of students who were sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. Women selling within the school premises were also reportedly abducted.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed that the attack was carried out by suspected ISWAP insurgents. The exact number of missing students remains unknown as assessments are still ongoing.

2. Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

Security Response

The Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) engaged the attackers, preventing what could have been a larger-scale abduction.

Rescue Update

As of the latest update:

• Ten (10) abducted students have been rescued.
• Some teachers have also been rescued.
• The gender and identities of those rescued have not yet been officially confirmed.

Ongoing Operations

Security forces continue search-and-rescue operations in nearby forests to locate and rescue the remaining abducted students.

The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, confirmed that a government delegation has been deployed to Lassa to assess the situation and reassure affected residents.

3. Context and Protection Concern

Target Group

• Students aged 16–17 years sitting for the NECO examinations.
• Women conducting business within the school premises.

Perpetrators

The attack has been attributed to suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram elements operating within the area.

Pattern of Attacks

This incident represents another attack in the continuing pattern of assaults on educational institutions across Northeast Nigeria. Askira/Uba LGA borders the Sambisa Forest, a known insurgent stronghold.

Community Impact

The incident has:

• Created fear and panic among residents.
• Disrupted ongoing national examinations and education.
• Heightened anxiety among families and the wider Lassa community.
• Increased concerns about the safety of schools and surrounding communities.

4. Key Gaps

1. Protection and Safe Schools

There is an urgent need to strengthen security measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, particularly in rural Local Government Areas bordering forested regions.

2. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Immediate psychosocial support is needed for:

• Rescued students
• Families of missing children
• Teachers
• The wider school community

3. Family Tracing and Reunification

Support is required for family tracing, reunification, and the safe reintegration of abducted students once rescued.

4. Community Engagement

Efforts are needed to restore community confidence in education and livelihoods. Although many residents have resumed farming activities, they remain vulnerable to insecurity.

5. Recommendation

1. Continue monitoring official updates from the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies regarding the number and status of students still in captivity.
2. Coordinate with protection partners, humanitarian protection clusters, and the Borno State Ministry of Education to provide support to affected students, families, and the school community.
3. Advocate for increased security patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and strengthened early warning systems around schools in Askira/Uba LGA, particularly during national examination periods.

Current Status

• Incident Date: June 29, 2026
• Location: Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Askira/Uba LGA, Borno State
• Suspected Perpetrators: ISWAP/Boko Haram
• Victims: Students writing NECO examinations and women within the school premises
• Students Rescued: 10 (confirmed)
• Search Operations: Ongoing
• Assessment: Ongoing to determine the total number of abducted students.