NAF Helicopter Crashes In Port Harcourt

On Friday morning, a Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

In a statement, NAF spokesman Edward Gabkwet confirmed the development.

He stated that everyone on board survived with “minimal injuries.”

The NAF MI-35P helicopter crashed around 7.45 a.m., shortly after taking off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.

“Fortunately, all five members of the crew escaped the incident with minor injuries and are being treated at the NAF Medical Centre Port Harcourt.”

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is currently en route to Port Harcourt to assess the situation for himself, ensure the crew’s safety, and provide future directives,” according to the statement.

The recent series of NAF helicopter crashes that have resulted in casualties has alarmed aviation and safety experts, with stakeholders urging the military to adhere to standard operating procedures and routine fleet maintenance.

A NAF MI-171 helicopter on a casualty evacuation operation crashed near Chukuba Village in Niger State in August 2023, leaving wounded behind.

At least 20 military officials were killed in three separate crashes involving NAF jets in 2021.

Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, then Chief of Army Staff, and ten people were aboard a NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft when it crashed near Kaduna International Airport on May 21, 2021. The horrible accident claimed the lives of all 11 military men.