Two pilots and three other personnel aboard a Nigerian Airforce helicopter died on Wednesday when the aircraft crashed in combat with Boko Haram terrorist in Borno state.
Okay Nigeria reported the missing helicopter during combat with Boko Haram Terrorists.
In a statement made available to Okay Nigeria on Thursday by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the spokesman for the force, said:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of the five 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,”
Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – pilot in command, and Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – co-pilot, were the personnel in the helicopter crash.
Also others are Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – flight technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – gunner, and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – gunner.
“These gallant fallen heroes made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our Fatherland, for which the NAF, and indeed the entire Nation, owe them an unending debt of gratitude,” he said.
“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 five fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.”
