By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has told the personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), not to be discouraged about the unfortunate crash of a NAF MI-35P attack helicopter in Port Harcourt on Friday, 1 December 2023, saying that the hopes of millions of Nigerians rest on their shoulders.
Air Marshal Abubakar, who was in Port Harcourt to assess the situation after the air mishap, also visited the crew members.
He also directed for the immediate commencement of the accident investigation, to learn exactly what happened and prevent future occurrences.
While addressing the personnel of 115 Special Operations Group (SOG), Air Marshal Abubakar, told them to see the setback as a setup for a resilient comeback.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force,
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, said, the CAS, tasked the personnel to channel efforts toward thwarting the activities of economic saboteurs and countering oil theft.
The realization of these aspirations, he said, is hinged on the NAF’s ability to combat all forms of criminality that threaten the nation’s peace and stability.
He also, told them to see air accidents or mishaps as impetus to propel all NAF personnel towards seeking improved safety management measures, while remaining undeterred and focused in tackling the myriads of security threats facing the nation.
He said: “Times like these are a sad reminder of the inherent risks in military aviation, especially when flying activities, occasioned by our current security challenges, have tremendously increased. As we continue to fly intensively, incidents are bound to occur. Nevertheless, we must continue to ensure we minimize the risk factors as reasonably practicable.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also commended the crew for the professional manner in which they handled the emergency situation they found themselves.
“Your actions were commendable and a decisive factor in mitigating the extent of damage to public property and loss of lives,” he noted.
He said that 115 SOG has been well known for its gallantry and fighting spirit and the mere presence of the MI-35P helicopters on the battlefield has been a game changer.
The CAS disclosed that the helicopters have, over the years, continued to strike fear deep into the hearts of terrorists and other criminals while at the same time boosting the morale of surface forces.
Earlier, the CAS had visited the 5 crew members of the ill-fated aircraft and directed the Commander of the Medical Centre to ensure they received the utmost attention required.
