The Nigerian Air force (NAF) Wednesday says a video circulating on social media platforms allegedly depicting the wreckage of the crashed MI-171 helicopter with bodies of victims at Chukuba village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state could dampened the morale of troops.
The NAF also said such video could have negative consequences on the families of deceased personnel as well as on Nigeria’s national security.
NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet stated this in a statement while reacting to a video allegedly circulated by terrorists depicting wreckage of NAF crashed helicopter in Niger state with dead bodies of personnel.
He said like all military involved in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, incidences of fatalities, mishaps and crashes are sometimes inevitable.
“For the NAF, the last 8 years has seen an increased level of air operations in efforts at checkmating the nefarious activities of terrorists and criminal elements in the country.
“With heightened levels of air operations, occasioned by an enhanced fleet, the likelihood of air mishaps and accidents at times become unavoidable and inevitable due to various reasons,” he said.
According to him, “whhile the NAF regrets such unfortunate incidents, especially as they involve the loss of lives of our colleagues, the Service will never shy away from unravelling the probable cause of the crash with a view to drawing lessons.”
While soliciting for Nigerians support in the fight against insecurity, reiterated NAF’s commitment to bring the situation in Niger and other parts of Nigeria under control.
“For the NAF and indeed the entire members of the Armed Forces, our resolve and determination to bring the current security situation in Niger state and indeed all troubled spots in the country remains unshaken.
“Infact, if anything, we are determined more than ever before, to take on the enemy frontally until they are brought to their knees,” he said.
Helicopter crash: NAF cautions Nigerians against terrorists’ propaganda
