The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified reports of a helicopter crash in Tami village, Kaduna State, indicating that it was, in fact, a mishap involving a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The NAF spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, stated, “A NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission near Rumji Village. Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on the ground.”
Following the incident, a team of Airforce personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Air Training Centre and 401 Flying School swiftly responded by securing the area for emergency rescue operations and initiating an investigation into the cause of the mishap.
Earlier reports from locals had described a helicopter crash in Tami village, with residents alarmed by the incident. The UAV, on a routine operational flight, encountered technical difficulties leading to the mishap. Fortunately, the pilot skillfully executed emergency protocols, emerging largely unscathed from the wreckage.
The ongoing preliminary investigation aims to determine the root cause of the incident, reassuring Nigerians that this setback will not affect ongoing operations.
