By Matthew Don
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on Thursday, July6 confirmed that one of its helicopters crashed into water in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Spokesman of the NAF, Olatokunbo Adesanya who disclosed said in a statement that no life was lost in the incident.
He said Sadique Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, had constituted a panel of inquiry to unearth the cause of the crash.
Said the NAF:“A Nigerian air force (NAF) Agusta 109 light utility helicopter has suffered a mishap while undertaking a liaison mission targeted at further enhancing the synergy between the Nigerian army and the NAF in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the north-east.
“The incident, which occurred today, 6 July 2017, was as a result of an airborne technical fault with the helicopter.
“The experienced NAF pilots, however, successfully ditched the helicopter into a pool of water to minimise damage and loss of lives.
“Consequently, there were neither any injuries nor loss of lives to anyone on board or on the ground.
“The chief of air staff has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident while efforts are ongoing to recover the helicopter and members of the board are already in Maiduguri to commence work.
“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.”