As Boko Haram loots Lassa, Burns Shops
By Luka Binniyat and Suleiman Ayuba
(MAIDUGURI) —A military operation aimed at rescuing schoolchildren and other victims abducted from communities in Adamawa and Borno, States, North East Nigeria, has resulted in the killing of more than 21 Boko Haram terrorists, the Nigerian Army has claimed.
Lassa, in Uba/Askira Local Government Area, was attacked and looted on Sunday, after the town was attacked by Boko Haram Islamists terrorists on June 29, 2026 and 36 pupils were kidnapped from the Government Day Secondary School in the town.
The military Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), said troops attacked a terrorist enclave in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area LGA, Adamawa State, on August 27, 2026, as part of an ongoing effort to locate and rescue the 78 pupils abducted from Mussa and Lassa high schools.
Children abducted from Mussa and Lassa Remain Missing
Children from Mussa community were abducted on May 15, 2026, while schoolchildren from Lassa were kidnapped in June. Their abductions have left families in prolonged uncertainty as they remain in captivity for over 100 days.
In a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East), OPHK, the military said the offensive followed credible intelligence on the location of the terrorists.
According to the statement, a joint force comprising the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, deployed to Sector 4 in Adamawa State, conducted a stealth operation into the difficult terrain.
The force reportedly penetrated the terrorists’ enclave before launching a precision strike in the early hours of August 27.
“The operation was conducted in furtherance of sustained efforts to locate and rescue victims being held by terrorist elements, including School Children abducted from Mussa community in May 2026 and the Lassa school children abducted in June 2026,” the statement said.
“During the operation, troops successfully closed in on the terrorist camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters. Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The military subsequently took control of the area, dismantled the terrorist camp and destroyed what it described as associated logistics infrastructure, the statement added.
It said several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were destroyed at the scene, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The operation, according to the military, was intended not only to rescue the abducted victims but also to disrupt the terrorists’ ability to move personnel, weapons and supplies through the rugged terrain.
“The Theatre reassures the public that ongoing operations will be sustained until all abducted persons are located and rescued, while efforts continue towards restoring lasting peace and security across the North East,” Captain Goni said.
Boko Haram attacks Lassa again
While the military operation was being conducted in Adamawa, residents of Sabon Gari in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State, about 30 miles away, were facing another night of terror.
Residents told TruthNigeria that Boko Haram insurgents raided the community overnight on August 29 into August 30, looting food supplies, stealing sewing machines, groceries, foodstuffs and other business equipment and setting property ablaze.
A former member of the Nigerian House of Representatives representing Uba/Askira Federal Constituency, Hon. Tarpaya Asarya, confirmed the attack and condemned the violence.
“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate attack meted out to Sabon Gari, Lassa, in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State, on the night of 29 August 2026. The attack, reportedly carried out by Boko Haram insurgents, led to the destruction of property and caused fear and hardship among our people. I strongly condemn this unfortunate act of violence against innocent members of our community.
Residents said the attack lasted about three hours and that there was no military response during the assault.
Dorcas Simon, a 45-year-old resident of Sabon Gari, said more than 50 shops were looted, while 15 were burned. She also said six people sustained injuries.
Simon said residents were unable immediately to establish whether anyone had been killed or abducted during the latest raid.
The attack has compounded the hardship caused by the earlier abduction of children from the community.
‘We are living at the mercy of terror daily’
The renewed attack has raised fresh questions among residents about the security of rural communities in southern Borno.
Simon questioned why communities remain vulnerable despite residents’ claims that terrorist hideouts in the wider area are known.
“The terrorist camp is well-known; they live right there in the Sambisa Forest. Instead of launching an offensive, the military remains on the defensive. And when we need the soldiers most for defensive protection, they are completely absent,” Simon said.
‘They took what little food we had left’
Hon. Ijagla Ijabila, Ward Councillor for Lassa Ward, said the latest attack had deepened the psychological and economic suffering of residents whose children remain in captivity.
“Parents are still sick from the trauma of our kidnapped and abandoned children who remain in captivity. Now, the terrorists returned last night to take what little food people have left. Farming has become too dangerous, making this loss devastating,” Ijabila said.
The destruction of businesses has also affected women who rely on tailoring and other small-scale activities to support their families.
Simon said sewing machines were among the equipment taken by the attackers, while other goods and business premises were destroyed by fire.
“Tailoring equipment is an important source of livelihood for families that depend on small businesses to meet their daily needs,” she said.
Residents also said insecurity has severely disrupted farming, leaving families increasingly unable to access their farmlands safely and threatening food production in the community.
“We are living at the mercy of terror daily,” she added, appealing to the Federal Government for urgent security intervention and humanitarian assistance.
Luka Binniyat and Suleiman Ayuba are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
