The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended troops of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their ground counterparts for rescuing students and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State.
The attack occurred in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where terrorists abducted students and teachers from the school. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the successful rescue operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups.
Air Marshal Aneke praised the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims.
One of the rescued victims, Mr. Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, said the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter. He explained that the confusion created by the air operation allowed the abducted teachers and students to escape as ground troops advanced on the terrorists’ position.
The Chief of the Air Staff said the account given by the vice principal further highlighted the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, especially when closely coordinated with ground forces during combat missions.
Air Marshal Aneke also praised the courage, professionalism and dedication of the military personnel involved in the rescue mission. He paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the operation, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
He extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working closely with other branches of the Armed Forces and security agencies to sustain operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.