A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, this Friday morning. The incident occurred shortly after the helicopter took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
According to NAF spokesman Edward Gabkwet, all five crew members on board survived the crash but sustained minor injuries. They are currently receiving medical attention at the NAF Medical Centre in Port Harcourt.
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Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, is en route to Port Harcourt to assess the situation, ensure the wellbeing of the crew, and provide further directives.
The recent spate of NAF helicopter crashes with casualties has raised concerns among aviation and safety experts over the past two years. Stakeholders have called on the military to uphold standard operating procedures and routine maintenance of its fleet.
In a previous incident in August 2023, an NAF MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed near Chukuba Village in Niger State, resulting in casualties. In 2021, three crashes involving NAF jets claimed the lives of at least 20 military officers within three months. Notably, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others lost their lives in a NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft crash near the Kaduna International Airport on May 21, 2021.
The recurrence of such incidents underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough maintenance procedures within the Nigerian Air Force. Thank you for using this Newsonline Nigeria platform to stay informed about the latest news in Nigeria now; always visit Ejes Gist News for more Naija News.
