Contrary to reports on social media as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna earlier today, 1 July 2024, be informed that no helicopter crash occurred.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet disclosed this today, 1st July 2024 in a press statement made available to newsmennin Abuja.
AVM Gabkwet noted that there is no crash, instead, 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. Preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap.
"Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in anyway, impinge on all ongoing operations."
He 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.
The spokesperson laments how some outlets had misinformed Nigerians that a helicopter had crashed without the decency to clarify from the NAF while the news of the crash filtered in.
He advised that 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.
