Unmanned aerial vehicle, not helicopter crashed in Kaduna – NAF

Locals had earlier said it was a helicopter crash that took place in the early hours of Monday at Taimi village, near Rigachikun. The community is very close to the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force Air Training Centre, Mando.

But in a statement, the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force Edward Gabkwet said it was a UAV and not a helicopter as earlier believed.

Instead of a helicopter, Gabkwet said, “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 the ground.

“A preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap. Nigerians can rest assured that this minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations.”

In the wake of the incident, a team of Airforce personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Air Training Centre and 401 Flying School were said to have cordoned off the scene to secure the area for emergency rescue operations and also investigate the cause of the crash.