.NAF deploys surveillance aircraft in Oyo
.As Presidency clears air over Adelabu’s sister, twin sons’ rescue
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 360 women and children who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama said the rescue operation was conducted by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the Special Operations Forces.
According to Makama, the operation took place across multiple fronts around the Mandara Mountains on June 6. He explained that Special Operations Forces first carried out preliminary missions that sowed confusion in the terrorists’ camps, paving the way for ground troops to successfully extract the hostages.
“The rescued civilians were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026,” Makama said.
The operation, however, recorded a tragic setback, with two infants dying due to the harsh and difficult terrain encountered while evacuating the victims to safety.
Makama added that all rescued victims received immediate medical screening upon arrival. Those requiring further care were stabilised by brigade medical personnel and admitted to the General Hospital in Gwoza for treatment.
“The victims were also provided with food and water before being moved to a secure holding facility pending reunification with their families.
“Security sources described the operation as a significant humanitarian and operational success in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and rescue civilians held captive in remote parts of the North-East,” he added.
Makama noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still unpredictable.
In his reaction, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has commended the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for the successful rescue of the abductees
Zulum, in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism, and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
The governor noted that the mission, which led to the safe recovery of hundreds of men, women, and children held captive by terrorists, has renewed hope among affected communities and reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, the Nigerian military, and the Borno State Government to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace in the region.
He said: “I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation.
“Their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice have once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to protecting innocent citizens.”
The governor also commended members of local communities for their support, understanding, and cooperation, which he said contributed to the success of the operation.
“The rescue of 360 abductees from the Boko Haram stronghold is a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the determination of our security forces to ensure that no citizen is abandoned in the hands of insurgents and terrorists,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the Borno State Government’s commitment to continue supporting the military and other security agencies through logistics support to sustain their momentum in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Zulum further urged residents of Mussa in Askira-Uba Local Government Area to continue to keep hope alive, noting that the government remains committed to securing the release of the abducted schoolchildren.
He urged people of the state to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and continue providing credible information to assist ongoing operations aimed at eliminating criminal activities across the state.
In the meantime, the Nigerian Air Force has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to support efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A statement on Sunday by NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
Makinde said the Air Force responded swiftly after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform that has continued to provide intelligence to security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue operation.
According to the governor, intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has been instrumental in tracking developments and coordinating efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
“The NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations.
“Intelligence generated from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims,” he was quoted as saying.
The governor also appealed to residents of the affected communities and the state at large to remain patient and support ongoing security operations.
He assured them that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the incident.
Makinde commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos.
“The Air Force made the surveillance platform available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base, Lagos”, he said.
Meanwhile, the presidency has cautioned Nigerians against the urge to compare the kidnapping incidents involving the relatives of a former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and those of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Speaking via a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, explained that the motivations and agendas behind the two kidnapping incidents are entirely different.
According to him, urban kidnappers who want to make money are responsible for the Adelabu family episode, while a band of terrorists operating deep inside the bush are responsible for the kidnapping of schoolchildren, which happened in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The presidential media aide, who spoke against the backdrop of calls for the government to move swiftly and rescue the schoolchildren in captivity, just like the Adelabu relatives were rescued, assured that the government and security agencies are not being selective, as claimed in some quarters.
He reiterated that the two situations are different and that those accusing the government of being selective are totally wrong.
Ajayi also gave fresh assurances that the children and teachers in the bush will be rescued very soon.
“Those who are comparing the Adelabu’s sister and her twins situation to the Ogbomoso kids and their teachers are totally wrong.
“It is wrong to compare the urban gang of kidnappers who engage in copycat crime to make money and hide victims inside a flat within the community to a band of terrorists operating deep inside the bush. The two sets of criminals have different motivations and agendas.
“The Ogbomoso children and their teachers will be rescued, and government/security agencies are not selective, as falsely claimed. The approach to the two incidents can’t be the same.
“We should be happy that the woman and his twins are safely home while we pray for quicker rescue of those still in the bush with their abductors,” he wrote on X.
The Nigeria Police Force , Oyo state Command had narrated how gallant officers of the command were able to use modern technology in crime detection to unravel the hideout of the kidnappers who abducted ex-Minister’s sister and her twin sons in Ibadan.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul was abducted on June 6, 2026 at Elewura area Ibadan on their way to school at about 7.30am.
But, the victims were successfully rescued by the police, following a late-night operation carried out at about 7:30 pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
A thorough intelligence gathering and continuous tracking of the kidnappers played a critical role in the successful operation, a source said .
According to security sources within the Force, two suspected kidnappers were neutralized during a fierce gun duel with police operatives.
Two firearms were also recovered from the criminal gang.
With this successful operation, some Nigerians had taken to the social media to criticize the government of being selective in their rescueing efforts.
They argued that while Oriire schoolchildren and teachers are languishing in the forest for weeks in kidnappers’ den, the police were able to rescue the minister’s relatives within a few days.
