A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has been involved in a crash, according to sources. The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route from Kaduna to Minna, the capital of Niger state.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
The statement revealed that the aircraft, an MI-171 Helicopter, had taken off from Zungeru Primary School with a destination of Kaduna.
However, it was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The statement from Gabkwet read, “A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, August 14, 2023, at about 1:00 pm Chukuba Village in Niger State.
The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.”
Efforts are currently underway to rescue both the crew and passengers who were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash. Additionally, preliminary investigations have been initiated to determine the likely cause of the crash.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by air operations, particularly in critical missions such as casualty evacuation. The Nigerian Air Force’s immediate response to the crash highlights their commitment to the safety and well-being of their personnel and those they serve.
As further details emerge and investigations continue, the aviation community will closely follow the developments surrounding this unfortunate event.
