An helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force has crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
It was learnt that the helicopter with the number NAF MI-35P crashed at exactly 7.45 am shortly after it took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
As of press time, the cause of the crash remains a mystery.
NAF spokesman, Edward Gabkwet, who confirmed the crash, said all those onboard survived with “minor injuries”.
Gabkwet, an Air Commodore, explained that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is on his way to the scene to assess the situation.
“The Chief of Air Staff is currently en route to Port Harcourt to assess the situation for himself, see to the wellbeing of the crew, and give further directives.
“An incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous tasks of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities,” Gabkwet said.
This happens to be the fourth NAF Air crash recorded in 2023 alone. With the latest Rivers State crash, the force has lost 3 helicopters within the year under review.
