The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has credited air surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated military operations for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted during an attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday after suspected terrorists stormed the school while candidates were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
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 showcased the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military action.
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, alongside timely air support that disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage them effectively.
Aneke said the operation demonstrated how intelligence-led collaboration between air and ground forces can protect civilians while sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
He also praised personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the ground troops for their courage and professionalism during the rescue mission.
The Air Chief noted that testimonies from the rescued victims further underscored the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations when combined with coordinated ground offensives.
He paid tribute to a soldier attached to Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the operation.
The school’s Vice Principal, Paul Namaske, said the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, creating an opportunity for the abducted students and teachers to escape as security forces advanced on the attackers.
The military says operations against terrorist groups across Nigeria’s North-East will continue as part of efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
