The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has finally confirmed the crash of an Alpha jet that occurred on Sunday, Newspremises reports.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Information issued a statement on Monday.

Newspremises recall that DAILY POST first reported the crash that occurred between 12 noon and I:30 pm yesterday. The report was initially denied by NAF.

The full NAF release below…

“On 18 July 2021, at about 12.45 pm, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State, came under intense enemy fire which led to its crash in Zamfara State.

Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft. Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset.

“Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued.

“It is instructive to note that upon receipt of the news of the crash, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts must be emplaced to rescue the pilot.

“Accordingly, NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot.

“It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits who were after him, thus enabling him to find refuge and escape to a safe location.

“It is important to also recall that only recently, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States.

“It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last 2 weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these 3 states.

“Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed. Despite the setback of yesterday’s crash, the NAF remains committed towards fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it.

“The willingness, readiness and tested ability of the NAF remains unshaken and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles.”


Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/nigerian-air-force-finally-confirms-jet-crash-pilot-rescued/

Lalasticlala
Mynd44
Dominique

But them first refute the report.
Why?
I don’t understand does the life of our armed forces even matter?
Why deny the crash? Even if you have not gotten report. You say you haven’t but not outright denial.
It’s hard to trust our system with all the denying before confirming we face everyday

143WaZoBia:
But them first deny as far news.
Why?
I don’t understand does the life of our armed forces even matter?

It is well brother, this is Nigeria

Thank God for the survival of the pilot. It takes only courageous and men of wisdom to apply survival instinct.

damilola4162:

It is well brother, this is Nigeria

Really it’s a bad time to be a Nigerian and a patriot of this country.
Really sad. Human life has no iota of value.

Greatest100:
Thank God for the survival of the pilot. It takes only courageous and men of wisdom to apply survival instinct.

But if the pilot didn’t survive they will deny the crash completely.

republic of “Liegeria” after lai.
The king of lies

143WaZoBia:
But them first refute the report.
Why?
I don’t understand does the life of our armed forces even matter?
Why deny the crash? Even if you have not gotten report. You say you haven’t but not outright denial.
It’s hard to trust our system with all the denying before confirming we face everyday

Might be to confuse the bandits who also monitor the news and act accordingly. Confirmation at that material time might jeopardize rescue of the pilot.

Ovamboland:


Might be to confuse the bandits who also monitor the news and act accordingly. Confirmation at that material time might jeopardize rescue of the pilot.

Your submission makes plenty sense.
I thought in that direction too. But person de ground shoot something wey de up him no go see am crash? The guy said the bandits were all over the crash site. The crash site! And they were looking for him. He narrowly escaped.
The bandit already knew. If the bandit confirmed the kill before the guy radio in. We probably will not know what happened to the jet. But the guy survived that’s why we are hearing this. Well it’s also a coincident that the guy is a southerner. I mean y’all can fly fighters jet but can’t be Chief of staff.

143WaZoBia:

But if the pilot didn’t survive they will deny the crash completely.

exactly.

Am not surprised that was how they first deny Lekki tollgate incident