A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Helicopter was lost in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State.
A statement announcing the development, by Ibikunle Daramola, Air Commodore, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, said that the mission was part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
The incident occurred at about 7:45 pm, Wednesday, 2 January 2019. Details of the cause of the crash, he said, are still scanty, assuring that as soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public.
Ibikunle Daramola, Air Commodore, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force
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NAF AIRCRAFT DESTROYS TERRORISTS’ MEETING VENUE NEAR BAGA
1. The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed a building being used as meeting venue by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters near Baga in Northern Borno State. The attack was conducted yesterday, 1 January 2019, after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed that the building was being used as an assembly point by the terrorists. Consequently, the ATF dispatched a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the building. A direct hit was recorded on the target leading to significant damage to the structure and neutralization of the occupants.
2. You are requested to please disseminate this information through your medium for the awareness of the general public. It would also be highly appreciated if the attached short video clip, which is now declassified, is shown to the general public for them to witness parts of the attack. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force