Military Aircraft Scattered Terrorists, Gave Us Chance to Escape — Rescued Borno Vice Principal

The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has narrated how military aircraft and ground troops rescued him, another teacher and several students after they were abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an attack on Monday.

Speaking in a video obtained on Monday, Namaske said the terrorists attacked the school while students were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, abducting two teachers and more than 20 candidates before taking them into the bush.

According to him, the intervention of the Nigerian military changed the course of events.

“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. 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 said.

Namaske explained that although he could not provide the exact number of abducted students, he estimated that more than 20 candidates were taken alongside two teachers.

“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,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, the Nigerian Army confirmed the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, including teachers and NECO candidates, during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, disclosed that the operation involved both ground troops and air support.

According to him, the Theatre Command immediately deployed strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms after receiving reports of the attack.

He said the troops, guided by the aircraft, engaged the terrorists around the Daggu area, leading to the rescue of 10 victims who were recovered unharmed.

The military also reported that several terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while seven motorcycles used by the fleeing insurgents were recovered.

However, Goni disclosed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during the fierce exchange of gunfire with the attackers.

He assured that operations were still ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security threats facing communities in parts of Borno State despite sustained military offensives against insurgent groups operating in the North-East.