Just In: NAF Helicopter Crashes In Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Air Force has announced its MI-35P helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt shortly after taking off.

The crash occurred at about 7:45 a.m., shortly after the aircraft took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers, said a statement by the air force spokesman, Edward Gabkwet. Five crew members were aboard the helicopter.

NAF said all five survived with minor injuries and were being treated at the NAF Medical Centre in Port Harcourt.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is currently en route Port Harcourt to assess the situation, see to the well-being of the crew and give further directives.

“Incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous tasks of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities.”

(NAN)