In a one-minute, 20-second video obtained by DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, Namaske revealed that two teachers and over 20 students writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination were abducted during the assault.
Recounting the incident, he said:
"Today, June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering above us, the insurgents became scattered. As that was happening, we heard gunfire from the soldiers, causing the terrorists to flee while we seized the opportunity to escape. During the process, the soldiers rescued us."
Giving an estimate of those abducted, Namaske explained that the group consisted of two teachers and more than 20 students.
"We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot state the exact number, but at one point when the insurgents gathered us together, I estimated that there were about 20 students and two teachers," he said.
Earlier, DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reported that the Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue of 10 abducted victims, including teachers and students, following the attack.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed in a statement on Monday that two security personnel—a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—lost their lives during the rescue operation.
According to Goni, the rescued victims were freed unharmed after troops, supported by military aircraft providing aerial surveillance and guidance, engaged the abductors around the Daggu area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
The statement read:
"Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State."
It further stated that immediately after receiving reports of the attack, the Theatre Command deployed both strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai to support troops conducting a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.
Goni added that the combined land and air operation enabled troops to make contact with the abductors around Daggu. Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, 10 victims were rescued safely and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts continue to locate and rescue the remaining captives and bring those responsible to justice.
He also disclosed that troops successfully outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicted casualties on them, and recovered seven motorcycles used by the insurgents.
However, he expressed regret over the loss of two security personnel during the operation.
"Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists," Goni stated.
ADEOLA KUNLE
No comments:
Post a Comment