NAF Helicopter crashes in Kaduna

An Air Force helicopter, belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, in the early hours of Monday crashed in Tami village, located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A witness said the incident occurred at approximately 5:00 am, causing significant alarm among residents.

A report by THE PUNCH said the helicopter was on a routine operational flight.

It reportedly experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash.

The pilot was said to have managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, to ensure his survival.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage largely unscathed.

Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no lives were lost.

“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a local villager who witnessed the crash.

A team of military officers from the Nigerian Air Force swiftly arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation, the report said.

They cordoned off the crash site to prevent unauthorised access and to ensure the safety of the villagers.

The officers also began preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.

As of the time of filling the report the Nigerian Air Force had not released an official statement regarding the incident, but an investigation was expected to be launched to ascertain the factors leading to the crash.