NAF says pilots, Alpha-jet still missing, releases names of personnel
The Nigerian Air Force on Friday said its missing Alpha-jet aircraft (NAF475) might have crashed.
NAF had, on April 1, declared missing one of its Alpha-jets missing after losing contact with radar in Borno.
The two pilots in the missing jet were identified as Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.
The cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the pilots remain unknown, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said in a statement.
In February, a military aircraft King Air 350, crashed just before reaching the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway after reporting engine failure en route to Minna.
Read the full statement below.
UPDATE ON MISSING NAF ALPHA JET AIRCRAFT
Intelligence report gathered by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) indicates that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with 2 crew members on board on March 31 2021 might have crashed.
The cause of the crash as well as the whereabouts of the 2 pilots remain unknown. The pilots are Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.
Extensive search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on the ground.
At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It, however, remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.
EDWARD GABKWET
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
More from Peoples Gazette
Opinion
CCT Chairman Umar’s “BIAFRAN Boys” insult part of Nigeria’s unofficial Igbophobia
Most people know that “national unity” is only invoked as a rhetorical cudgel to squelch dissent.
Health
Why we are on strike: NARD
Members had been without salaries for three months despite uninterrupted service delivery to the nation, a doctors’ representative said.
Health
Buhari minister threatens to unleash “weapons” on striking doctors
Mr Buhari left the country to London on Tuesday to enjoy world-class medical care.
Hot news Home top
National interest supersedes public interest: Army commander
The army chief argued that public interest was already subsumed under national interest.
Lagos
Customs seizes 147 sacks of marijuana in Lagos
The cannabis intercepted is the type being cultivated in Ghana which is more potent than the one grown in Nigeria.
Health
Patients lament as doctors’ strike enters day two
President of the Association of Resident Doctors in Benin said patients were not being attended to because the strike was total.
