NAF Chief Of Air Staff Consoles Families Of Fallen Heroes, Vows Support After Fatal Crash

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), paid a visit to the families of the deceased crew members of the ill-fated MI-171E Helicopter that tragically crashed in Niger State on August 14. Abubakar’s visit took him to the family homes in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

During the visit, Abubakar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, acknowledging the profound loss and its significant impact on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). He described the loss as a major setback that would take time for the NAF to overcome.

In his conversations with the families, Abubakar assured them that the NAF would stand by them throughout this difficult time. He emphasized, “The NAF will always stand with you and support you till the end,” expressing the NAF’s unwavering commitment to the families of the fallen heroes. He also reassured the families that the sacrifices made by their loved ones would be forever remembered by both the NAF family and all Nigerians, who recognize the sacrifices made for the nation’s well-being.

Abubakar’s visit also provided an opportunity for him to engage with the officers and personnel of the unit. He commended their dedication and efforts in ongoing joint military operations in the Niger Delta. He expressed his condolences to the unit and affirmed that the fallen heroes’ sacrifices would not be in vain. Abubakar reiterated the NAF’s commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.

The tragic incident involved a NAF MI-171E Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission that crashed in Niger State on August 14, 2023. The crash resulted in the loss of all passengers and four NAF crew members on board. Among the fallen crew members were Flight Lieutenant Adamu Ibrahim, Flight Lieutenant Anthony Duryumus, Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel, and Lance Corporal Briggs Stephen Peter. Additionally, two NAF Regiment personnel, Corporal Jauro Amos and Lance Corporal Abdulrahman Abubakar, lost their lives as part of a group of Nigerian Army personnel who were ambushed and killed by terrorists in Niger State.

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar’s visit to the families and his interactions with NAF personnel reflect the profound sense of loss felt by the entire NAF community and the nation as a whole. It underscores the NAF’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of its fallen heroes and ensuring the safety and well-being of its personnel in all future operations.