Nigeria Air Force names the two pilots who lost their lives in recent Kaduna plane crash

NIGERIA'S military high command has revealed the identity of the two Nigeria Air Force (Naf) pilots who lost their lives in the recent air accident in Kaduna when a Super Mushshak trainer aircraft that crashed last Wednesday.

According to the Naf high command, Flight Lieutenant Abubakar Muhammed Alkali and Flight Lieutenant Elijah Haruna Karatu, were the two airmen who lost their lives in the accident. Naf spokesman Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said chief of air staff Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has commiserated with families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

Air Commodore Gabkwet added: “The unfortunate incident of the trainer aircraft crash is yet again a tragic reminder of the perilous nature of the military flying profession as well as the risks Naf pilots continually take, daily, to secure Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Kindly bring this information to the awareness of the general public.”

He added that the chief of air staff, who paid a visit to Kaduna stated that Naf will investigate the cause of the crash that occurred. Air Marshal Amao had earlier constituted an accident investigation board upon receiving the news of the crash, to determine the immediate and remote causes of the accident.

Speaking in Kaduna, he assured the officers, airmen and airwomen of 401 Flying Training School that all measures will be emplaced to avert similar occurrences in the future. He also reminded them of the need to remain steadfast and focused on their assigned roles and responsibilities in view of the onerous task before the Naf and other security agencies to rid the northwest and indeed the entire nation of all criminal elements.