The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has commended personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and ground troops for successfully rescuing students and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Air Marshal Aneke described the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in safeguarding civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
He praised the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, alongside timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground forces to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims.
According to one of the rescued victims, Mr. Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, creating an opportunity for the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the insurgents’ location.
The Chief of Air Staff said the victim’s account further highlights the crucial role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, especially when effectively integrated with ground forces in joint missions.
While commending the bravery, professionalism and dedication of the troops involved in the rescue mission, Aneke also paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who lost their lives during the operation.
He extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, describing their sacrifice as a source of inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in its continued efforts to defend the nation and protect its citizens.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
The rescue mission has been widely regarded as another indication of the growing synergy among security agencies in the fight against terrorism, particularly in the North-East, where coordinated air and ground operations continue to weaken insurgent capabilities and improve civilian protection.
