Nigeria Air Force release statement on personnel who died in combat

Ayodele Johnson 18:39 - 03 January 2019

The NAF is saddened about the loss of five of its personnel who died in combat. - CKN Nigeria

Five crew members of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) providing air support for ground troops, are confirmed dead in a statement released on Thursday, January 3, 2018.

NAF 's Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirms this in the press release.

A day prior, the deceased who were offering air protection for the troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State, crashed in combat.

Their remains have been recovered according to the NAF. They are identified in the statement.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of the 5 crew members who were on board the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mi-35M Helicopter which crashed in combat yesterday, 2 January 2019, while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State. The deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, are:

a. Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob - Pilot in Command.

b. Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas - Co-Pilot.

c. Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim - Flight Technician.

d. Lance Corporal Adamu Nura - Gunner.

e. Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael - Gunner.

These gallant fallen heroes made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our Fatherland, for which the NAF, and indeed the entire Nation, owes them an unending debt of gratitude. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the 5 fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose. The CAS was in Maiduguri today, 3 January 2019, to convey the condolences of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammed Buhari, to personnel of the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE over the unfortunate loss. While in Maiduguri, the CAS also received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

The NAF appreciates the overwhelming support shown by the general public to the Service over the sad incident. We continue to solicit your understanding and support as we daily strive to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians."