The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated that fatalities, mishaps, and crashes are at times unavoidable for military organizations engaged in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, made this statement in response to a video clip circulating on social media. The clip purportedly shows the wreckage of the crashed NAF MI-171 helicopter, along with the bodies of the victims, in Chukuba Village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Gabkwet emphasized that the NAF is not inclined to respond to claims made by terrorists, especially those spread through social media platforms. He stated, “With the escalation of air operations and an increased fleet, the probability of air mishaps and accidents, at times, becomes inevitable due to various factors.”
Over the past eight years, the NAF has intensified air operations in order to combat the nefarious activities of terrorists and criminal elements across Nigeria. This was confirmed by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, during a recent meeting with Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State.
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