Lassa rescue shows power of joint operations — CAS

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has commended troops of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and ground forces for the successful rescue of teachers and students abducted during the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS described the rescue operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint military operations against insurgents.

He praised the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the abducted victims.

According to the statement, the operation demonstrated the importance of close coordination between air and ground forces in protecting civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups.

The CAS also referenced the account of one of the rescued victims, the Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Paul Namaske, who said military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, creating an opportunity for the abductees to escape as troops advanced on the insurgents.

Air Marshal Abubakar said the testimony further highlighted the decisive role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations when effectively integrated with ground forces.

He commended the courage, professionalism and dedication of all personnel involved in the rescue mission, describing their actions as exemplary.

The air chief, however, paid tribute to a soldier of Operation Hadin Kai and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who were killed during the operation.

He extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, saying their sacrifice would continue to inspire the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the country.

The CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain offensive operations aimed at defeating insurgents and restoring lasting peace across the North-East and other troubled parts of the country.