The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Paul Namaske, has recounted how a military aircraft and ground troops secured his escape along with other teachers and students abducted during a terrorist attack on the community.
Namaske spoke in a one-minute, 20-second video released Monday, detailing the incident that occurred while students were writing the National Examinations Council exams. He said the attackers kidnapped two teachers and more than 20 students before marching them into the bush.
“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing,” Namaske said. “While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us.”
He estimated the number of abductees. “We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers.”
Earlier Monday, the Nigerian Army confirmed that some victims had been freed during a search-and-rescue mission by troops under Operation Hadin Kai.
Capt. Muhammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, said the operation involved ground forces and military aircraft. After receiving reports of the attack, the Theatre Command scrambled strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft to support troops tracking the abductors around Daggu.
“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around Daggu and, after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support,” the military statement read.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and free the remaining abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice.
During the operation, troops outmaneuvered the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties, and recovered seven motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.
Goni confirmed the mission came at a cost. “Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists.”
The rescued victims, including teachers and students, are receiving necessary care.
