JUST IN: Air Force confirms 5 personnel died in helicopter crash during fight with Boko Haram

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of five crew members who were aboard the helicopter that crashed during a fight with Boko Haram terrorists in Damasak, Borno State on Wednesday.

NAF authorities had said on Wednesday (yesterday) that they were waiting for confirmation of the helicopter’s location following the crash.

The deceased officers have been identified as: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command; Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot; Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician; Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner; and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

Authorities said Thursday afternoon that the bodies of the personnel have been taken to Maiduguri.

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“These gallant fallen heroes made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our Fatherland, for which the NAF, and indeed the entire Nation, owes them an unending debt of gratitude,” NAF said in a statement.

“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the 5 fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.”