A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter crashed near Chukuba village in the Shiroro local government area of Niger State on Monday afternoon.
The helicopter was en route to Kaduna from Niger State when the incident occurred.
The exact number of casualties and survivors remains unclear as rescue operations are currently underway to assist the occupants of the helicopter.
According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Monday, said the MI-171 Helicopter was engaged in a casualty evacuation mission before the crash took place at around 1:00 pm.
The aircraft had departed from Zungeru Primary School and was headed for Kaduna when it was reported to have crashed near Chukuba Village in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet’s statement outlined the current state of affairs, saying, “a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, 14 August 2023 at about 1.00pm near 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.”
