The Nigerian Air Force clarified that a UAV crashed in Kaduna State, not a helicopter.
The Nigerian Air Force has announced the crash of a helicopter in Kaduna State on Monday, saying it was an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Edward Gabkwet, The Director of Public Relations and Information, in a statement said contrary to reports, the incident involved a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which experienced a mishap shortly after take-off for a mission.
He said “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, 1 July 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.
“Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground. Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap. Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations.”
Gabkwet also addressed the issue of false reporting, stating the need for accuracy and verification before sending out information.
“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a 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.
