UAV Crash: NAF Gives Fresh Update As Pilot Reportedly Survives, Calls it “Minor Setback”
- There is an update regarding the reported crash that occurred in Kaduna state on Monday morning
- Reports disclosed that an Air Force helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force crashed in Tami village, located in the Igabi LGA of Kaduna state
- However, NAF's director of public relations and information, Edward Gabkwet, has shared what happened amid speculations
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has debunked claims of a helicopter crash in Kaduna state.
NAF disclosed in a statement that "the NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap" in Kaduna state on Monday.
Source: Twitter
Recall that on Monday, July 1, an Air Force helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reportedly crashed in Tami village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna state.
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It was gathered that the helicopter, which was on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot executed emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his survival.
NAF shares what happened in Kaduna
Reacting to the development, Edward Gabkwet, Air Vice Marshal and director of public relations and information, Nigerian Air Force, debunked the reports.
In a statement, he disclosed that no helicopter crash occurred. Rather, "a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off at a location near Rumji Village and about 15km from the Base."
Speaking further, he noted that "since it is an unmanned vehicle", there were no casualties on board or on ground.
The statement read:
"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."
Also, Gabkwet stated that a preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap.
He said:
"Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations."
Air Force school student punished to death
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Blaise Felix Aliyu, a student at the Air Force Comprehensive School in Kaduna, reportedly died as a result of punishment inflicted by two senior students.
Aliyu, who has been an orphan since 2013, leaves behind his twin brother, also a student at the military boarding school in Mando, Kaduna.
The tragic incident occurred when two SS3 students summoned the 15-year-old to their room, ostensibly to punish him, but ultimately caused his death. His body has since been placed in the mortuary.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
