FIVE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE OFFICIALS DIE IN HELICOPTER CRASH DURING AIR OPERATION AGAINST BOOK HARAM

‘ It 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 statement reads.

Penpushing further reports that the Airforce spokesman confirmed that the  remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, stressing that, ’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’,.

Penpushing also reports that Daramola explained that the Chief of Air Staff was in Maiduguri on Thursday, 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.

The statement added that while in Maiduguri, the Chief of Air Staff also received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, stating that the Nigeria Airforce 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, the spokesman emphasised.