Speaking in a video obtained on Monday, Namaske said the attackers abducted two teachers and more than 20 students while candidates were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

According to him, the situation changed when a Nigerian military aircraft began hovering over the area, forcing the insurgents into disarray.

He explained that the terrorists started dispersing after the aircraft appeared, while gunfire from advancing troops created an opportunity for the captives to flee.

“When the military aircraft started hovering over us, the terrorists began to scatter. As we heard gunshots from the soldiers, they fled in different directions, giving us the chance to escape. The soldiers then rescued us,” he said.

Namaske disclosed that the abductees included two teachers and more than 20 students, although he could not immediately confirm the exact number.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully rescued 10 abducted teachers and students during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation supported by the Air Component of the operation.

Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, said troops responded immediately after receiving reports of the attack, deploying both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to assist ground forces.

He explained that troops engaged the fleeing terrorists around the Daggu area, leading to the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were recovered unharmed and are receiving necessary care.

Goni added that troops inflicted casualties on the terrorists during the operation and recovered seven motorcycles used by the insurgents.

He, however, disclosed that one soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during the firefight.

The military said efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

PUNCH