Nigerian Air Force Releases Names Of Officers Who Died In Helicopter Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of officers and air men who died in the (NAF) Mi-35M Helicopter which crashed on Wednesday.

The helicopter came down on January 2nd while providing close air support to troops of the 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno state

In a statement by the Director of Public Relations, Air Force Headquarters, air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, he said, 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.

Those who perished in the disaster, according to the statement, are: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command, Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot, Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner, Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

The statement also described the victims as gallant fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their 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.

According to the director, he expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the general public to the Service over the sad incident as he solicit for the understanding and support of the people to strive to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.