he Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has released the names of the five crew members of its crashed Mi-35M combat Helicopter,
in Maiduguri, on Wednesday.
A statement by NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, made the announcement on Thursday said the five crew members crashed “while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State”.
The names of those the deceased personnel whose remains have been recovered according to Daramola 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 and 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,” He said.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has commiserated with the families of the five fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.
“The CAS 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, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai,” he said.