The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of five of its officers aboard an helicopter, which crashed Wednesday while on combat operation in Damasak, Borno State.
The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola disclosed that the platform crashed at about 7:45 pm 2 Wednesday, while providing air cover for troops of 145 Battalion in the Damasak general area.
Daramola gave the identities of the fallen heroes as follows: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command, Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot, Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner, as well as Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.
“The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East. The incident, occurred about 7:45 pm today, 2 January 2019. Details of the cause of the crash are still scanty.
“As soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public”, Daramola said.
However, the NAF’s spokesman later issued another release, wherein it was revealed that five officers died in the crash.
Daramola said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has conveyed the NAF’s condolences to the families of the deceased officers’.
“T is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of the 5 crew members who were on board the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mi-35M Helicopter which crashed in combat yesterday, 2 January 2019, while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State. The deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, are:
“These gallant fallen heroes made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our Fatherland, for which the NAF, and indeed the entire Nation, owes them an unending debt of gratitude.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the 5 fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.
“The CAS was in Maiduguri today, 3 January 2019, to convey the condolences of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammed Buhari, to personnel of the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE over the unfortunate loss. While in Maiduguri, the CAS also received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai”, Daramola said.
This was as he further stated tthus: “The NAF appreciates the overwhelming support shown by the general public to the Service over the sad incident. We continue to solicit your understanding and support as we daily strive to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians”.
Stella Enenche, Abuja
