The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has attributed the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, to its air superiority and effective intelligence surveillance operations.
The students were kidnapped on Monday while sitting for the National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following an attack on the school by suspected terrorists.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-led military action.
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as the timely provision of air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ escape route.
Aneke explained that the aerial surveillance enabled ground troops to track and engage the fleeing insurgents, ultimately leading to the successful rescue of the abducted students and teachers.
He described the mission as a clear demonstration of how intelligence-driven joint military operations can effectively protect civilians while sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The Air Chief also praised personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their counterparts in the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and collaboration during the rescue mission.
According to him, testimonies from the rescued victims further underscore the importance of integrating air power with ground operations in modern counter-terrorism campaigns.
Aneke paid tribute to a soldier attached to Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the commitment of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.
One of the rescued victims, the Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Paul Namaske, recounted that the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to flee in different directions.
He said the confusion created by the air operation gave the abducted students and teachers an opportunity to escape as ground forces advanced on the terrorists’ position, leading to their eventual rescue.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing counter-terrorism operations and working closely with other security agencies to restore peace and protect communities across the country.
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