A spokesman told CNN that the plane was carrying out surveillance in Nigerian state as part of efforts to rescue at least 42 school children and staff members taken by armed men from Government Science School Kagara last Wednesday. One student was killed during the attack.
Air Fish Marshal Ibikunle Daramola told CNN on Monday afternoon that the air force had donated the military aircraft to a joint task force coordinating the rescue operation in Kagara.
“The rescue effort is being coordinated by a team with multiple agencies … the crashed plane was part of the air force’s contribution to the rescue mission,” he added.
Daramola told CNN that the air force would support the rescue operation.
He added that all staff members had been informed, and that an investigation had been launched.
The ongoing rescue efforts follow an order from President Muhammadu Buhari to the army and police to ensure all prisoners are rescued.