NAF dismisses propaganda about crashed helicopter, says fatalities inevitable in counterterrorism operation

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says incidences of fatalities, mishaps, and crashes are sometimes inevitable in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism.

The NAF made the remarks in response to a viral video 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.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF said it would not give in to the propaganda peddled by terrorists on the crashed aircraft.

Titled “WE SHALL NOT GIVE IN TO TERRORISTS’ PROPAGANDA”, the statement read: “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to 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.

“While it is not in the character of the NAF to respond to such claims, particularly one peddled by terrorists, concerns expressed by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to address the propaganda becomes imperative.

“Like all military organisations involved in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, incidences of fatalities, mishaps and crashes are sometimes inevitable.

“For the NAF, the last 8 years have 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.

“Indeed, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said this much when he hosted Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State, yesterday, 15 August 2023, at his office where he noted that the rates of aircraft accidents/incidences are directly proportional to the heightened level of air operations.

“While 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.

“For those aiding and abetting the propaganda tendencies of terrorists, deliberately or inadvertently, by spreading the videos of the alleged crash site with gory pictures of dead military personnel, the need to rethink the consequences of their actions on the morale of troops, families of deceased personnel as well as on Nigeria’s national security is imperative.

“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. In fact, if anything, we are determined more than ever before, to take on the enemy frontally until they are brought to their knees.

“While calling on all Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces of Nigerian and other security agencies as we all jointly confront our common enemies, the NAF wishes to appreciate the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his message of condolence and words of encouragement. Our appreciation also goes to other well-meaning Nigerians for their support.”