The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State on July 18 2021, at about 12.45 pm, came under intense enemy fire and crashed in Zamfara State.
The pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, however, successfully ejected from the aircraft.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Monday.
“Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset.
“Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued,” Gabkwet said in a statement.
According to him, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts must be emplaced to rescue the pilot.
“Accordingly, NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot.
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States.
Gabkwet said it is in fulfillment of this directive that the Nigeria Air Force, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last two weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these three states.
He said through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed.
“Despite the setback of yesterday’s crash, the NAF remains committed towards fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it.
“The willingness, readiness and tested ability of the NAF remain unshaken and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles,” he stressed.
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