The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has attributed the successful rescue of students abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State to the effective deployment of air superiority and intelligence surveillance operations.
The Air Force made the disclosure in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The incident occurred on Monday morning when suspected insurgents stormed the school while students were writing the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms alongside immediate air support that assisted the rescue mission.
He explained that the swift air response disrupted the movement of the terrorists, allowing ground troops to engage the fleeing attackers and safely recover the kidnapped students and teachers.
Aneke described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint military operations in safeguarding civilians and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The Air Chief also commended personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the ground forces involved for their professionalism and coordination throughout the rescue operation.
According to him, the successful mission further highlights the importance of integrating air power with ground operations in modern counter-terrorism campaigns.
He noted that the testimony provided by one of the rescued victims reinforced the significant contribution of air support during the operation.
Aneke also paid tribute to a soldier serving under Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives while participating in the rescue mission.
He described their sacrifice as a reminder of the commitment and courage displayed by security personnel in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking on the incident, one of the rescued victims, Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Paul Namaske, recounted how the arrival of military aircraft changed the course of the attack.
According to him, the appearance of the aircraft forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and scatter in different directions.
He explained that the confusion created by the air operation gave the abducted students and teachers an opportunity to escape as advancing troops closed in on the insurgents.
Namaske said the coordinated military response ultimately led to the successful rescue of those taken during the attack.
