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The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has described the crash of the NAF Super Mushshak training Aircraft that claimed the lives of two Pilots in Kaduna as a devastating loss to the nation.
In a statement signed by Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri the Defence Minister with deep sense of loss said the sad occurrence has unfortunately depletied the human capital assets of the Nigerian Air Force in this challenging times when the service is professionally and tactically deploying its rich Air powers in joint operating environment with land forces to end all threats to national sovereignty and territorial integrity
Reacting further to the tragic accident, he said the deaths of both Flight Lieutenant Abubakar Muhammed Alkali and Flight Lieutenant Elijah Haruna Karatu in line of duty is sad but heroic.
General Magashi however assured that the sacrifices of the two pilots shall not be in vain.
The Defence Minister also expressed confidence in the Air Marshak Amao led Nigerian Air Force not to allow the unfortunate crash to dampen the current high morale of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the service in intensifying the explosive tempo of anti- banditry and counter-terrorism in parts of the Country.
While appreciating the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adedayo Amao for his proactive response in constituting an Accident Investigating Board, (AIB) he commistrated with the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, NAF, the families, friends and colleagues of the late pilots he prayed for the repose of the pilots.
