Jonathan orders replacement of crashed Air Force helicopter

President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the replacement of a Nigerian Air Force, NAF, helicopter that crashed in the south of Bama in Borno State.

The three-crew NAF Mi-35 crashed Monday afternoon, killing the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Nwakile.

The Co-pilot N.M Halilu, a Flight Lieutenant and technician, and Augustine Nwanonenyi, a Warrant Officer, survived.


While receiving the survivors, the Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosu, said that Mr. Jonathan has ordered an immediate replacement of the lost helicopter.

Mr. Amosu asked the officers not to be deterred in their service to Nigeria, stating that Mr. Jonathan is committed to providing all necessary equipment the military needs in tackling the insurgency.

He also paid a condolence visit to the family of Mr. Nwakile who died on the crash, he assured them of the support of Government and the Nigerian Air Force.

Thanking God for the lives of the survivors, he also commended them for their gallantry and commiserated with them on the loss of their colleague.

He said that the Air Force would do everything to sustain the current synergy between the Air Force and the Army as a sure approach to win the war against terrorism.

Mr. Amosu also admonished all service personnel to continue to give selfless sacrifice for the defence of the sovereignty of the nation despite the enormity of current security challenges.