The Nigerian Air Force has announced the passing of five crew members on board the NAF Mi-35M Helicopter which crashed in combat on January 2nd, 2019, while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State.

According to a statement by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, the deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, are:

a. Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command.
b. Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot.
c. Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician.
d. Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner.
e. Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

“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. 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,” the statement added.