By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A small plane belonging to the Nigerian Air Force has crashed in Katsina State, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon after the helicopter was used to attack some bandits in the region.
Confirming the incident, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the small aircraft crashed landed while returning from a combat mission in Katsina State.
He said the cause of the crash was unknown as at the time of releasing the press statement, but said no life was lost.
“A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Helicopter has crashed in the process of landing while returning from an anti-armed banditry combat mission in the Northwest Theatre under Operation HADARAN DAJI.
“Details of the cause of the incident, which occurred at the Katsina Airport at about 3.30pm today, 12 June 2019, are still scanty.
“However, there was no loss of life, either of persons on board the helicopter or on the ground.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has immediately directed the constitution of a Board of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident.
“The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the general public as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians,” the statement said.
Adedapo Adesanya