The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 Km from Base in Kaduna.
This is contrary to reports that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna in the early hours of Monday, July 1, 2024.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the incident, saying there were no casualties.
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He added that preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain the cause of the crash of the drone.
He said, “Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground.
“Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap.”
He assured Nigerians that the “minor setback will not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations” of the Air Force.
“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged in its entirety.
“While the news of the crash filtered in, some outlets had misinformed Nigerians that a helicopter had crashed without the decency to clarify from the NAF.
“This attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principle of developmental journalism, balanced reporting and fairness. Members of the media are again advised to always seek clarification from authorized military outlets before rushing to ‘break’ the news,” the NAF spokesman stated.