The Nigerian Airforce, NAF, on Monday disclosed that one of its Alpha Jet Aircraft crashed in Zamfara state on Sunday at about 12.45 pm.
A statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information revealed that the plane was attacked by bandits while returning from an air interdiction mission.
Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft. Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset.”
Under the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued.”
Before he was rescued the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts be emplaced to rescue the pilot upon receipt of the news of the crash.
Recall that the air force had on Sunday denied reports of the plane crash. Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet had told TVC News that no air craft flew from Yola to Kaduna.
The NAF however said NAF remains committed towards fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it. despite the crash.
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