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.
The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.
The incident, occurred about 7:45 pm today, 2 January 2019. Details of the cause of the crash are still scanty. As soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public.
Meanwhile, Ibikunle Daramola, the Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force had previously released a statement on how the NAF aircraft destroyed terrorists meeting venue.
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
