Nigerian Air Force, Kaduna says, contrary to reports on social media as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets (not Nigerian Kicker) that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna earlier on Monday 1st July, 2024, the news is not true and there is no helicopter crash.
In a release, obtained by Nigerian Kicker, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet says, a “NAF 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.
“Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground.”
According to him, preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap saying Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations.
“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.” he added.
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