An Air Force helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, in the wee hours of this morning crashed in Tami village, located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Eyewitness said the incident happened at approximately 5:00 am, causing significant panic among residents of the community.
The helicopter, which is believed to be on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to its crash. Fortunate enough, the pilot was able to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his survival.
Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that the pilot emerged from the wreckage largely unscathed.
Residents of Tami village quickly rushed to the crash site to take a glimpse, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no lives were lost.
According to him “We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive”.
However, when the Airforce released an official statement it said, the authorities of the Nigerian Air Force says it is one of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that crashed in Kaduna, not a helicopter.
It also said it had commenced investigation to ascertain what might have caused the mishap, adding there was no single casualty since it was unmanned equipment.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement assured Nigerians that “this minor setback” would not impinge on the ongoing operations.
The statement partly reads, “Contrary to reports on social media as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna earlier today, 1 July 2024, be informed that no helicopter crash occurred.
“Instead, a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 Km from Base.
“Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground. Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap, Gabkewet concluded.