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 force counterparts for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted during the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff described the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting innocent Nigerians while sustaining pressure on terrorist elements.
The statement noted that Air Marshal Aneke particularly lauded the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets alongside timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents, leading to the successful rescue of the abducted students and teachers.
It further disclosed that 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 disperse, creating the opportunity for the abducted victims to escape as troops advanced on the terrorists’ position. According to the CAS, the victim’s account further validates the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when effectively integrated with ground manoeuvre forces.
Air Marshal Aneke also commended the courage, professionalism and sacrifice demonstrated by the troops involved in the operation. He paid tribute to the gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who lost their lives during the rescue mission, extending his heartfelt condolences to their families and affirming that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the nation.
The Chief of the Air Staff further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to working closely with sister Services and other security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
