CAS Commends Troops for Rescue of Lassa Students, Orders Sustained Offensive Against Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
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 counterparts on the ground for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted during the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the CAS described the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups.
Air Marshal Aneke specifically praised the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as timely air support, which disrupted the movement of the terrorists and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the abducted victims.
He said the account of one of the rescued victims, Mr Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, underscored the decisive impact of air power during the operation.
According to Namaske, the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, creating an opportunity for the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the insurgents’ position.
The CAS said the testimony further validated the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations when effectively integrated with ground forces.
Aneke also commended the courage, professionalism and commitment displayed by the troops who participated in the rescue mission.
He, however, paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who lost their lives during the operation.
The CAS extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, describing their sacrifice as a source of inspiration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the nation.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
