Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has commended troops involved in the rescue of students and teachers abducted during an attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Borno State, while directing security forces to sustain pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.
The Air Chief described the operation as a major success for joint military efforts, saying it demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and close coordination between air and ground forces in combating terrorism.
The attack occurred on June 29, 2026, when terrorists stormed the school in Lassa, located in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while students were sitting for their National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Following the incident, personnel of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and ground troops launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission that resulted in the recovery of 10 abducted students and teachers. Efforts are continuing to locate and rescue others still unaccounted for.
Aneke praised the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets as well as timely air support, noting that the intervention disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims.
According to one of the rescued victims, Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, the arrival of military aircraft caused panic among the attackers and created an opportunity for the abductees to escape as troops advanced on the terrorists’ position.
The Chief of Air Staff said the account reinforced the importance of air power in modern counterterrorism operations, particularly when integrated with effective ground action.
While applauding the courage and professionalism of personnel involved in the mission, 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 operation.
He extended condolences to their families and described their sacrifice as a reminder of the risks security personnel face in defending communities against terrorist attacks.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working with other military services and security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security across affected parts of the country.