The authorities of the Nigerian Air Force says it is one of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that crashed in Kaduna, not a helicopter.
It also said it had commenced investigation to ascertain what might have caused the mishap, adding there was no single casualty since it was unmanned equipment.
A helicopter belonging to NAF was said to have crashed in the early hours of Monday in Tami village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
An eyewitness, who did not want to be mentioned, had told Daily Trust that the incident occurred at about 5:00 am, causing significant alarm among locals.
But reacting to the incident, the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement assured Nigerians that “this minor setback” would not impinge on the ongoing operations.
The statement read in part, “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.
“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.”