Air Force confirms death of two pilots, three other crew members in helicopter crash

Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of two pilots and three other crew members that were on the force’s helicopter crashed during combat with Islamic terrorist group, Boko 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 force’s spokesman, Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement on Thursday.

The deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, are: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command, Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot, Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

Daramola also stated 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,”

He stated that Abubakar has visited the family of the decease in Maiduguri to convey the condolences of President Muhammed Buhari to personnel of the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE over the unfortunate loss.

Daramola also said the force has received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.