NAF says intelligence, surveillance and air support helped rescue abducted Borno students during the NECO exams, highlighting effective joint military action.
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has highlighted the crucial role of air power and intelligence-led military operations in the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred on Monday when armed terrorists invaded the school while candidates were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.
The attack caused panic among students, teachers, and residents before security forces launched a coordinated operation to recover the victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of close cooperation between air and ground forces.
According to him, the NAF swiftly deployed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets immediately after receiving reports of the attack.
The statement quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as commending the rapid response of military personnel involved in the operation.
He said the prompt deployment of surveillance aircraft enabled security forces to monitor the movement of the terrorists in real time and provide vital intelligence to troops operating on the ground.
According to Aneke, the immediate air support disrupted the terrorists’ escape routes, preventing them from moving freely with their captives.
As military aircraft maintained pressure from above, troops attached to Operation HADIN KAI advanced on the insurgents, engaged them, and successfully rescued the abducted students and teachers.
The NAF chief described the mission as another example of how intelligence-driven military operations continue to strengthen Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism.
He noted that combining accurate intelligence with coordinated air and ground assaults has significantly improved the military’s ability to protect civilians and respond quickly to security threats in the North-East.
He further praised personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their counterparts in the land forces for their professionalism, courage, and commitment throughout the rescue mission.
According to him, the successful operation reflected the growing synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies in tackling insurgency and protecting vulnerable communities.
Aneke also stressed that modern counter-terrorism operations require seamless integration between aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and ground combat units.
He explained that such collaboration allows security forces to identify threats early, track hostile movements, and execute precision operations with greater effectiveness.
The NAF boss added that testimonies from rescued victims further confirmed the strategic importance of air support during rescue missions.
He said the accounts provided by survivors showed how the presence of military aircraft created confusion among the terrorists and ultimately helped save lives.
One of the rescued victims, Mr. Paul Namaske, who serves as the Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, narrated his experience during the attack. According to him, the arrival of military aircraft dramatically changed the situation.
He explained that the terrorists became disorganised after hearing and seeing the aircraft overhead.
The sudden pressure from the air forced many of the attackers to scatter into different directions. As confusion spread among the insurgents, the abducted teachers and students found an opportunity to flee while ground troops closed in on the terrorists’ location.
His account reinforced the military’s position that air power played a decisive role in weakening the terrorists’ control over the captives and creating conditions that allowed security forces to complete the rescue successfully.
Despite the successful outcome, the operation came at a painful cost. Air Marshal Aneke paid tribute to a soldier serving under Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), both of whom lost their lives during the rescue mission.
He described their sacrifice as an act of extraordinary courage and dedication to national service.
He expressed condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and assured Nigerians that their commitment and bravery would not be forgotten.
According to him, the sacrifices made by security personnel continue to inspire ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace across the country.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against terrorist groups and other criminal elements threatening national security.
The Air Force stated that it would continue working closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to strengthen joint operations, improve response capabilities, and safeguard lives and property.
The rescue operation has once again highlighted the importance of timely intelligence, effective coordination, and sustained military pressure in confronting insurgency.
As security agencies continue their operations across the North-East, authorities remain hopeful that similar collaborative efforts will further weaken terrorist networks and improve security for residents, schools, and communities.
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