NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DEBUNKS KADUNA HELICOPTER CRASH CLAIMS

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has debunked reports of a helicopter crash in Kaduna on Monday, July 1, 2024.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement on Monday, “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.”

Furthermore, the statement explained that since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on the ground.

“Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap,” the statement added.

He stressed that Nigerians can rest assured that the minor setback would not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations.

“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged.

“This attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principles of developmental journalism, balanced reporting and fairness,” the statement further noted.

The NAF spokesman urged the media to always seek clarification from relevant authorities before reporting issues concerning the military.