Airstrikes, Ground Troops Rescue Abducted Lassa Students, Teachers

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended troops of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their ground counterparts for rescuing students and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief described the rescue as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint military operations in combating terrorism and protecting civilians.

The Nigerian Air Force said the operation involved the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, backed by timely air support, which disrupted the movement of the terrorists and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims.

It quoted one of the rescued victims, the Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Mr Paul Namaske, as saying that the arrival of military aircraft forced the attackers to disperse, creating an opportunity for the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the terrorists’ position.

Air Marshal Aneke said the account underscored the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations when effectively integrated with ground forces.

The Air Chief also praised the courage and professionalism of personnel involved in the operation while paying tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who were killed during the rescue mission.

He extended condolences to their families, describing their sacrifice as a source of inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working with other security agencies to sustain operations against terrorist groups and restore peace across the country.