NAF Aircraft on Niger State Mission Crashes, Cause Under Investigation

The Nigerian Air Force has reported a crash involving one of their aircraft.

When the mishap happened, the aircraft was its route from Kaduna to Minna, the capital of the Niger state, according to individuals who spoke with Punch about the development.

The aircraft crashed in a village in Niger’s Shiroro Local Government Area, according to a statement from the Force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.

The statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, August 14, 2023, at about 1.1.00 pm Chukuba Village in Niger State.

“The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash.”