Crashed NAF aircraft on rescue mission to support ambushed troops, sources reveal

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter helicopter which reportedly crashed in a village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Monday, may have been on a rescue mission in support of troops who came under heavy fire from bandits in the area.

Unconfirmed sources also disclosed that the emergence of pictures and videos of troops who lost their lives after being ambushed by bandits, same day, further supports their claims.

The Nigeria Army is yet to confirm viral reports of troops killed during the ambush after they had intercepted bandits rustling cattle in the Wushishi council in Niger State.

The ensuing battle saw many of the bandits neutralized by the troops, however, a call for air tactical support put to a nearby Air Force base ended in tragedy as the fighter helicopter was allegedly shot down by the surprisingly heavily-armed bandits.

The tactical air backup took off from Kaduna en route to Minna, in Niger State when it crashed in Chukuba village in Niger State.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft departed Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

“A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, August 14, 2023, at about 1.1.00 pm Chukuba Village in Niger State.

“The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash,” Air Commodore Gabkwet’s statement read.

In his condolence message to the Army, while reacting to the loss of the soldiers, President Bola Tinubu, via a statement released by the Presidency, Tuesday, described it as ‘tragic,’ as he condoled with the families of the deceased officers.

“The tragic loss of our gallant officers and soldiers in a helicopter crash at Chukuba Village near Shiroro, Niger State, yesterday, brought immense sadness to me.

“These officers and men were answering the call of duty while on an evacuation mission. In their dedicated service to our beloved country, they paid the ultimate price.

“While we mourn their untimely departure, we will forever remember them, not just as servicemen, but as national heroes who gave their all for the peace and security of our country.

“They will always be remembered as courageous men who did not consider the perils and dangers of their national duty as paramount to their sacred mandate of ensuring that their fellow countrymen and women can live in peace.

“We salute their sacrifice, devotion and loyalty to our dear nation – the nation they loved and served to the end.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my condolences to their families, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the entire Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“May God grant them eternal rest, President Tinubu wrote.

Meanwhile, casualties in the clash between troops and bandits have been put at scores, as reports also claim the bandits had laid ambush after soldiers had successfully disrupted their cattle rustling activities in the Wushishi council area.

The clash reportedly occurred between Zangiwa and Kangara towns in Wushishi local government area of Niger state, at about 5am Monday.

Reacting, Tuesday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed casualties in the clash, as he however, stressed that families of the deceased soldiers should be accorded respect.

Gen. Onyema also informed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja is expected to arrive Niger State to motivate the troops.

 “I can confirm that there was an incident in Wushishi LG of Niger State. Our gallant patriots paid the supreme price when they ran into an ambush staged by insurgents. They were courageous till the end. They stood their ground and defended our great country with their lives.

“The focus now is how to console and bring respite to those they left behind. Sadly, the incident occurred while the Chief of Army Staff is on an operational tour of the North-West Operations theatre for an on-the-spot assessment and reinvigoration of ongoing operations. He is currently headed to the affected formation to encourage the troops.”

Both Wushishi and Shiroro councils have been hotbeds of bandits attacks in recent times, a situation which has forced many communities and their residents into internally displaced persons camps and others seeking refuge outside the state.

Niger in the North West region is also one of the hardest hit states in Nigeria by the menace of bandits, who have been categorized as terrorists by the Federal Government.