The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), not a helicopter, experienced a mishap near Rumji Village, approximately 15 kilometers from base, on July 1, 2024. The incident occurred shortly after the UAV took off for a mission. As an unmanned vehicle, the crash resulted in no casualties on board or on the ground.
In a press release, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, emphasized that no helicopter was involved in the incident, countering initial reports circulating on social media and some traditional media outlets.
“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, be informed that no helicopter crash occurred,” Gabkwet stated.
He assured the public that preliminary investigations have begun to determine the cause of the mishap. Gabkwet also reassured Nigerians that this minor setback would not affect ongoing operations.
Gabkwet criticized the tendency of some media outlets to rush to publish breaking news without verifying facts, urging them to seek clarification from authorized military sources before reporting. “This attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principle of developmental journalism, balanced reporting, and fairness,” he added.
The NAF calls for responsible journalism and urges the media to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in their reporting to avoid the spread of misinformation.