Port Harcourt, Nigeria, December 1, 2023: In a dramatic turn of events on Friday morning, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter crash-landed and exploded at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt. The incident unfolded around 7:50 a.m., and while the cause of the crash remains unclear, eyewitnesses reported a thunderous sound preceding the incident.
Residents near the NAF Base were startled by the sudden calamity. A witness residing in the vicinity stated, “I was inside my apartment when I heard this thunderous sound at the NAF Base. The next thing I saw was a thick flame. I don’t know if there are casualties because I can’t go close to the scene for now. But I heard a blast twice.”
Confirming the crash, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, released a statement providing preliminary details. The crashed MI-35P helicopter had taken off for an operation against oil thieves in Rivers State. Fortunately, all five persons on board survived the crash with minor injuries.
The official statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter has crashed at Port Harcourt today, December 1, 2023. The unfortunate incident occurred at about 7:45 am shortly after the aircraft took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State. Fortunately, the entire crew of five survived the crash with very minor injuries and are currently being attended to at NAF Medical Centre Port Harcourt.”
Air Commodore Gabkwet further informed the media that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is en route to the scene to assess the situation. “The Chief of Air Staff is currently en route to Port Harcourt to assess the situation for himself, see to the wellbeing of the crew, and give further directives,” the statement read.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with military flying and underscores the challenges faced by NAF pilots and technicians in their crucial roles of defending the nation and deterring criminal activities.
