The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says coordinated air operations and intelligence-driven military action played a key role in the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted from Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday after suspected terrorists attacked the school while candidates were writing the National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, praised the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets alongside timely air support.
According to the statement, the air operation disrupted the terrorists’ movement, allowing ground troops to engage the attackers and facilitate the safe rescue of the abducted students and teachers.
The Air Chief described the mission as another example of the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint military operations in protecting civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
He also commended personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the ground forces for their professionalism and commitment during the operation.
The statement noted that testimonies from the rescued victims further demonstrated the importance of combining air power with ground operations in counter-terrorism efforts.
Air Marshal Abubakar 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.
Speaking on the incident, the school’s Vice Principal, Paul Namaske, said the arrival of military aircraft forced the attackers to scatter, creating an opportunity for the abducted students and teachers to escape as security forces advanced on the terrorists.
Security operations against terrorist groups continue across the North-East as the military intensifies efforts to restore peace and improve safety in the region.
