NAF
Crashed Helicopter:
NAF
Crashed Helicopter: NAF Loses 5 Gallant
Heroes
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 deceased personnel, whose remains have been
recovered to Maiduguri, are:
a. Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command.
b. Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot.
c. Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician.
d. Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner.
e. Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.
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.
The CAS was in Maiduguri today, 3 January 2019, to convey the
condolences of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of
Nigeria, President Muhammed Buhari, to personnel of the Air Task
Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE over the unfortunate loss. While in
Maiduguri, the CAS also received a condolence visit from the Chief
of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.
The NAF appreciates the overwhelming support shown by the
general public to the Service over the sad incident. We continue to
solicit your understanding and support as we daily strive to ensure
the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
……………………………………………………………………………
Service Chiefs Meet over Helicopter Crash Gen. Buratai
Pays Condlence Visit
Today, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY
Buratai, today paid condolence visit to the Chief of the Air Staff
(CAS), Air Marshal SB Abubakar, at the Headquarters of Air Task
Force Command of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri, Borno State. The
condolence visit was as a result the unfortunate crash of Nigerian
Air Force Mi-35M Helicopter while providing close air support to
troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, around Damasak, northern Borno
State, yesterday Wednesday, 2nd January 2018.
During the condolence visit, the COAS said he was there to on
behalf of Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate
with the families, Officers, Airmen and Airwomen of the Nigerian
Air Force and indeed all Nigerians, over the helicopter crash that
claimed the lives of the pilots, a technician and the gunners. He
prayed God to grant their souls eternal rest, adding that the
gallant heroes’ death would not be in vain as they died on active
service for the security of our country, to safe guard the lives of
the citizen and serve humanity in general. He added that military
officers are one family, as they train together in various training
institutions, operate and live together as professionals and
therefore, as family, the Nigerian Army felt the pain of the sad
incident. He further stated that military job is associated with
high risks, but as professionals, we accept such divine destiny in
good faith. He then called on the Director Miliyary Intelligence,
Major General SA Adebayo and the Acting General Officer Commanding
7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier
General Bulama Biu to lead in the prayers for the repose of the
souls of the departed heroes.
Speaking earlier, the CAS thanked the COAS for coming to share
their pains and grief over the sad incident. He further assured
that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to support and work with
the Nigerian Army. He commended the determined efforts of other
gallant pilots despite the bereavement. He also assured that
despite the high risk associated with the military profession, they
would continue to give their best to ensure the success of the
fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.
Present at the occasion apart from both Service Chiefs, were
Principal Staff Officers at both Services Headquarters and field
commanders and pilots at Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
You are please requested to disseminate this information to the
public through your medium.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
3rd January 2018