In the aftermath of the regrettable crash of a Nigerian Air Force MI-35P attack helicopter in Port Harcourt on Friday, December 1, 2023, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, undertook a visit to the site to assess the situation and extend support to the affected personnel. Air Marshal Abubakar’s visit also aimed to boost the morale of the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), to whom he delivered a message of resilience and dedication.
During his address to the 115 SOG personnel, Air Marshal Abubakar urged them to view the setback as an opportunity for a strong recovery, emphasizing the importance of redirecting efforts towards combating economic sabotage and countering oil theft. He stressed the pivotal role of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in maintaining peace and stability, stating, “The hopes of millions of Nigerians rest on our shoulders,” and highlighting the necessity of combatting criminal activities to achieve national aspirations.
Acknowledging the inherent risks in military aviation, especially amid intensified flying activities due to current security challenges, the Chief of Air Staff encouraged NAF personnel to perceive accidents as a catalyst for enhancing safety measures. He asserted, “As we continue to fly intensively, incidents are bound to occur. Nevertheless, we must continue to ensure we minimize the risk factors as reasonably practicable.”
Commending the professionalism exhibited by the crew during the emergency, Air Marshal Abubakar recognized their actions as decisive in mitigating damage to public property and preventing loss of lives. He underscored the historical significance of the MI-35P helicopters in transforming the battlefield dynamics, instilling fear in terrorists and criminals, while boosting the morale of ground forces.
Expressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s gratitude for their sacrifices, Air Marshal Abubakar assured the personnel of the NAF’s commitment to their welfare and pledged to address their needs to facilitate effective execution of their duties. Additionally, he announced the initiation of an immediate accident investigation to understand the incident’s specifics and prevent future occurrences.
Prior to addressing the 115 SOG, the Chief of Air Staff visited the five crew members of the crashed aircraft, directing the Medical Centre Commander to ensure they received optimal medical attention.
Edward Gabkwet, Air Commodore and Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, provided these updates on the unfolding situation.
