Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has clarified that what was involved in an accident on Monday in Kaduna was an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, and not a helicopter, as was reported in some social and traditional media.
There were viral reports on Monday that a helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force crashed in Tami village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of the day.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 5am, causing significant alarm among residents.
The helicopter, said to be on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash but, fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively to ensure his survival.
However, clarifying the incident in a statement, the director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Marshall Edward Gabkwet noted that “contrary to reports on social media, as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets that a NAF helicopter crashed in Kaduna earlier today (Monday), be informed that no helicopter crash occurred. Instead, a NAF UAV experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission at a location near Rumji Village and about 15km from the base.
“Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on the ground. A preliminary investigation has commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap. Nigerians can rest assured that this minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations.
“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without hold of the complete facts should be discouraged in its entirety.
“While the news of the crash filtered in, some outlets had misinformed Nigerians that a helicopter had crashed without the decency to clarify from the NAF.”
The statement noted that “this attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principles of developmental journalism, balanced reporting, and fairness.”
Gabkwet advised the media to always seek clarification from authorised military outlets before “rushing” to break the news.
