NAF credits air power for rescue of abducted NECO students in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has credited the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area to intelligence-led operations and effective air support.

The victims were abducted on Monday after suspected terrorists attacked the school while candidates were writing the Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, commended the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and timely air support.

According to the statement, the air operations disrupted the movement of the attackers and enabled ground troops to engage them effectively.

Air Marshal Aneke said the operation demonstrated the value of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups.

He also praised personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and ground troops for their roles in the rescue mission.

The Air Chief added that accounts from the rescued victims underscored the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when coordinated with ground forces.

He 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 operation.

Meanwhile, 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 ground troops closed in on the area.

The military said operations against terrorist groups in Nigeria’s North-East are continuing as part of efforts to restore lasting security in the region.