The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their ground counterparts for the successful rescue of abducted students and teachers following the terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a press statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS described the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting innocent Nigerians while sustaining pressure on terrorist elements.
Air Marshal Aneke specifically praised the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and the timely provision of air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and successfully rescue the victims.
One of the rescued victims, Mr. Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, recounted that 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’ positions.
The Chief of the Air Staff said the victim’s testimony further validates the decisive role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when closely integrated with ground manoeuvre forces.
While applauding the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of the troops involved in the rescue mission, Air Marshal Aneke paid tribute to the gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the operation. He extended his heartfelt condolences to their families, noting that their ultimate sacrifice would continue to inspire members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the nation.
The CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to working in close collaboration with the other Services and security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
