JUST IN: Pilot survives as NAF helicopter crashes in Kaduna

An Air Force helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crashed in the early hours of Monday morning in Tami village located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

An eyewitness who did not want to be mentioned said the incident occurred at approximately 5:00 am, causing significant alarm among local residents.

The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his own survival.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said that the pilot emerged from the wreckage largely unscathed.

Daily Trust gathered that residents of Tami village quickly mobilised to the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no life was lost.

“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a local villager who witnessed the crash.

It was gathered that a team of military officers from the Nigerian Air Force swiftly arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation.

They cordoned off the crash site to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure the safety of the villagers. The officers also began preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.

As at the time of filling the report the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

Several calls put across to Wing Commander Alaere Eyinimiere Obidake, the Public Relations Officer for the Air Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Kaduna were rejected at the time of this report.