Emerging reports indicate that five crew members, including two pilots and three personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, have been confirmed dead in the helicopter crash which occurred in Damasak, Borno State, late on Wednesday.
According to Punch, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirmed their deaths in a release on Thursday. He noted that their remains had been deposited in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He identified the deceased as Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob, pilot in command; Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Kilyofas, co-pilot; Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim, flight technician; Lance corporal Adamu Nura, gunner, and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael, gunner.
Yesterday, the media was awash with reports on the disappearance of a military helicopter in the North-East. The attack helicopter had been reportedly deployed in the fight against insurgents.
Confirming the development, Nigeria Air Force’s spokesman, Daramola, had said,
“A Nigerian Air Force helicopter was lost in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State. The mission was part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
“The incident occurred about 7:45pm on January 2. 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.”