NAF loses personnel in crashed chopper in Borno

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has announced the death of five officers and men following the crash of its Mi-35M Helicopter which crashed in combat Wednesday, 2 January 2019.
The chopper was providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State.
The Air Force in a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, listed the deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, as:
a.  Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command.
b.  Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot.
c.  Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim  – Flight Technician.
d.  Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner.
e.  Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.
His statement read further: “These gallant fallen heroes made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our Fatherland, for which the NAF, and indeed the entire Nation, owes them an unending debt of gratitude.  The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS),
“Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the 5 fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose. The CAS was in Maiduguri today, 3 January 2019, to convey the condolences of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammed Buhari, to personnel of the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE over the unfortunate loss.
“While in Maiduguri, the CAS also received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.
“The NAF appreciates the overwhelming support shown by the general public to the Service over the sad incident. We continue to solicit your understanding and support as we daily strive to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”