By Kamil Opeyemi
A helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force this morning crashed in PortHarcourt, the Rivers state capital.
NPO Reports that five crew members in the ill-fated helicopter survived the crash and, according to a statement by Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information of the force, they are being attended to by medical personnel.
The Air Force identified the helicopter as NAF MI-35P, which was on a mission against crude oil theft in the region.
“The unfortunate incident occurred at about 7.45am shortly after the aircraft took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.
“Fortunately, the entire crew of 5 survived the crash with very minor injuries and are currently being attended to at NAF Medical Centre Port Harcourt,” the statement said.
Gabkwet added in his statement that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is currently on his way to Port Harcourt to access the situation.
“Incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous tasks of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities,” the statement said