By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and ground troops for rescuing students and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Aneke described the operation as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief praised the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets as well as timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground forces to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims.
The statement quoted one of the rescued victims, the Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Mr Paul Namaske, as saying, “The arrival of the military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, allowing the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the terrorists’ position.”
The Air Chief said the account by the rescued victim further underscored the importance of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when effectively integrated with ground forces.
Commending the troops for their courage and professionalism, Aneke also paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the rescue mission.
He extended his condolences to their families and said their sacrifices would continue to inspire members of the Armed Forces in the defence of the country.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
Air Chief hails troops over rescue of abducted Lassa students, orders sustained offensive against terrorists
