TheCable

A helicopter belonging to the Nigerian air force (NAF) crashed into a pool of water in Maiduguri, Borno state, on Thursday.

Olatokunbo Adesanya, spokesman of the force, who disclosed this in a statement, said no life was lost in the incident.

Adesnaya said Sadique Abubakar, chief of air staff, had constituted a panel of inquiry to unearth the cause of the crash.

“A Nigerian air force (NAF) Agusta 109 light utility helicopter has suffered a mishap while undertaking a liaison mission targeted at further enhancing the synergy between the Nigerian army and the NAF in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the north-east,” the statement read.

“The incident, which occurred today, 6 July 2017, was as a result of an airborne technical fault with the helicopter.

“The experienced NAF pilots, however, successfully ditched the helicopter into a pool of water to minimise damage and loss of lives.

“Consequently, there were neither any injuries nor loss of lives to anyone on board or on the ground.

“The chief of air staff has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident while efforts are ongoing to recover the helicopter and members of the board are already in Maiduguri to commence work.

“The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the general populace as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”