Nigerian Air Force reacts to helicopter crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), not a helicopter, crashed in Kaduna.

Media reports had suggested that a NAF helicopter crashed in the northwest state earlier today.

But in a statement sent to journalists, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesman, stated that it was a UAV involved in the mishap.

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. Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap. Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations.”