NAF Mi35M Chopper Crash: 2 Pilots & 3 Crew Members Killed In Borno State

By Joseph Erunke

NAF Mi-35M Helicopter Crash: 2 Pilots & 3 Crew Members Killed In Borno State

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of 5 personnel who died shortly after a NAF pilot crashed during combat in Borno state.

The pilot, co pilot and 3 crew members all perished.

A statement by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Thursday, gave the names of the victims as Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command; Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot;Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician; Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

All the bodies of the deceased, the statement said, had been recovered and taken to Maiduguri, the state capital.

Following the development, the Chief of Air Staff,Air Mashal Sadique Abubakar, who flew to Maiduguri earlier on Thursday, has commiserated with the families of the five fallen heroes and prayed that the “Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.”

The NAF helicopter, an Mi-35M Helicopter, according to the statement, crashed in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State.

The statement read in full:” It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of the 5 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. ”

The deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, are:

Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command,Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot,Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner,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, owes them an unending debt of gratitude. “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.

The Chief of Air Staff was in Maiduguri today, 3 January 2019, to convey the condolences of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammed Buhari, to personnel of the Air Task Force Operation Lafiya Dole over the unfortunate loss. While in Maiduguri, the CAS also received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lietenant General Tukur Buratai.

“The NAF appreciates the overwhelming support shown by the general public to the Service over the sad incident. “We continue to solicit your understanding and support as we daily strive to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”