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Air force helicopter crashes in North East

By Segun Olaniyi (Abuja) and Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) 
09 January 2018   |   4:08 am
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its Mi-17 helicopters suffered a mishap while undertaking a mission in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North East. 

Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar

•Buratai urges youths to shun Boko Haram

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its Mi-17 helicopters suffered a mishap while undertaking a mission in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North East. 

A statement by the Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya in Abuja yesterday said the incident which occurred today (8 January 2018) resulted in significant damage to the helicopter.“There was, however, no loss of lives as a result of the incident. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident, in line with global best practices. 

“The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the general populace as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”On July 6, 2017 one of NAF’s helicopters, Agusta 109 Light Utility, operating in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East crashed into a pool of water in Borno Sate. Also, no life was lost in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has urged youths in the North East to shun Boko Haram terrorism that has claimed many lives and property.According to him, youths who are future leaders of the country are expected to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious persons to secure the nation.

Buratai made the call at the weekend while addressing players of 16 football teams in northern Borno and spectators at the Chief of Army
Staff Football Tournament in Monguno town.The Ajari Football Club of Damasak won the tournament by defeating.Riverside Football Club of Monguno 1-0. The winner got a cash prize of N250, 000 and a trophy.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to provide this and other opportunities for the youths to showcase their talents at the national and international levels.“You should be very careful with any strange face or any of your former colleagues or friends that has been misled to join Boko Haram. Many of the terrorists are currently on the run.”He said the defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists was not just a claim but a reality, insisting that the terror groups had been demystified.

“They are no longer that force to be reckoned with. They are also no longer seen as spirits, as they are just ordinary criminals. Some of you, who participated in the COAS Football Tournament, could just walk around and catch the terrorists like chickens,” Buratai said.

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