The Nigeria Police Force has debunked reports that its helicopter crashed in Bauchi. The police in a statement on Thursday by Frank Mba, its spokesman said the helicopter did not crash as it landed safely in Bauchi. The statement debunked claims by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), that the helicopter crashed and the people on board were injured.
The AIB, in a statement by its spokesman, Tunji Oketunbi, had said that the accident occurred on Wednesday at about 7:30pm. The police statement reads: “Helicopter, Bell 429 5N-MDA, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Tuesday, February 26, 2022, was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.
“The aircraft did not crash as being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever.
“All six onboard including the pilot and co-pilot are in good condition.
“Similarly, the aircraft, which was flown by one of the best Police Pilots, was professionally safe-landed with minor damage on the rear rotor as a result of obstacle at the landing spot. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm (local time).
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap.”
The statement said further that the Nigeria Police Air-wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet, and 13 helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.”
