Nigerian Air Force Helicopter Crashes After Takeoff in Port Harcourt, Resulting in Five Injuries

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed and exploded at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, just after take-off. The incident occurred before 8 am, and while the cause of the crash is yet to be determined, it resulted in thick smoke and flames. Five persons on board the MI-35P helicopter survived with minor injuries and are receiving medical attention at the NAF Medical Centre in Port Harcourt. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is en route to assess the situation. The crash happened during an operation against oil thieves in Rivers State, according to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information. The incident underscores the risks associated with military flying and the challenges faced by NAF pilots and technicians in their defense and deterrence tasks. The NAF base has heightened security measures, restricting access to staff members and workers.