JUST IN: Helicopter Enroute Niger Crashed, ‘Crew, Passengers Feared Dead’

A Nigeria Air Force (NAF) helicopter, has reportedly crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The aircraft, crashed on Monday, after it took off from Kaduna en route to Minna, the Niger state capital.

The incident occurred at about 1:00pm.

Confirming the crash of an MI-171 Helicopter, Nigeria Air Force, said they are currently on a casualty evacuation exercise.

Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Edward Gabkwet, said that the aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School enroute Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Niger state.

Gabwet said efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash.

“The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash,” the statement reads.