One of the surviving hostages in Nigeria: The air intervention forced the terrorists to flee and saved us from captivity.

Our correspondent in Nigeria: Boubacar Sani

Paul Namaske, deputy headmaster of Government Day High School in Lassa township, Askera/Oba area, Borno State, confirmed that an air intervention by the Nigerian army confused terrorist group elements and enabled the kidnapped teachers and students to escape, following the attack that targeted the school while the students were taking the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

In a video, Namaske explained that the gunmen kidnapped two teachers and more than 20 students during the attack on Monday, before taking them to a wooded area.

Last-minute escape

He said: “On June 29, the terrorists took us into the jungle, but when a military plane started flying overhead, the militants scattered. At the same time, we heard gunfire from the soldiers, so the terrorists fled, and we were able to escape before the forces arrived and rescued us.”.

He added that the number of those abducted included two teachers and more than 20 students, but noted that he could not confirm the final number accurately.

10 kidnapped people rescued

The Nigerian army had previously announced the rescue of 10 abductees, including teachers and students, during a joint search and rescue operation carried out by Operation Hadin Kai forces with support from the Air Force.

Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting military information officer for the Northeast Joint Task Force, said that the forces moved immediately upon receiving a report of the attack, deploying attack aircraft and reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft to support the ground forces.

He added that the forces intercepted the kidnappers in the Dago area and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the release of 10 kidnapped individuals who are currently receiving the necessary care, while operations continue to find the rest of the kidnapped individuals.

The army also confirmed that the attackers suffered casualties, and that seven motorcycles used by the militants in carrying out the attack were seized.

Soldier killed

In contrast, the operation resulted in the death of a Nigerian soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) during an exchange of fire.

Security authorities confirmed that search and sweep operations are continuing to rescue the remaining abductees and to pursue those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.