The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that it was one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that crashed in Kaduna, not a helicopter, as previously reported.
The incident occurred early Monday morning in Tami village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Eyewitnesses initially reported seeing a NAF helicopter crash at around 5:00 a.m., causing significant alarm among local residents.
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However, NAF spokesman Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet confirmed in a statement that no helicopter was involved in the mishap.
“Contrary to reports on social media as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna earlier today, July 1, 2024, be informed that no helicopter crash occurred.
Instead, a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 km from base,” the statement read.
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Gabkwet assured Nigerians that there were no casualties as the UAV was unmanned and there were no injuries on the ground.
“This minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations,” Gabkwet added, emphasizing the continuation of NAF operations despite the incident.
The NAF has commenced a preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
