CAS Hails Lassa Rescue, Orders Relentless Offensive Against Terrorists
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has praised troops of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their ground counterparts for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted during the terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a statement on Tuesday by NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief described the mission as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint operations and added that the rescue underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting innocent Nigerians while maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist groups.
TheFact Daily had reported the rescue of 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists. The victims were kidnapped on Monday while writing their examinations at the Government Technical Secondary School in Lassa.
Air Marshal Aneke specifically commended the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to pursue the fleeing insurgents and rescue the captives.
One of the rescued victims, Mr. Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, said the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, creating the opportunity for the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops closed in on the insurgents.
The CAS said the victim’s account reinforced the decisive role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when seamlessly integrated with ground forces.
While commending the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of the troops involved, Air Marshal Aneke 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, describing their sacrifice as a lasting source of inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the nation.
The CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working closely with sister services and other security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
