THE five crew members of the Mi-35M helicopter that crashed in Damasak, Borno State, on January 2, this year, during a combat operation against the Boko Haram terrorists, were honoured yesterday by Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The five crew members were Flight-Lieutenant Perowei Jacob (pilot in command), Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas, (co-pilot), Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim (flight technician), Lance Corporal Adamu Nura (gunner) and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael (gunner).
They were buried with full military honours at the National Cemetery in Abuja on January 8.
Also honoured was late Squadron Leader Mohammed Baba -Ari, a fighter Instructor Pilot, who died during rehearsals of aerial display for Nigeria’s 58th Independence Anniversary celebration in Abuja.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at a colourful ceremony at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, also honoured 13 other deserving NAF personnel and civilians.
The humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) were also specially recognised with an award presented to its National President Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, lauded Air Marshal Abubakar for his foresight and for encouraging excellence in the service.
The SGF said: “It is glaring that the NAF has made huge sacrifices through the commitment, dedication and perseverance of its personnel in the defence of our nation. The conduct of sustained air operations, both night and day, by the NAF is significantly responsible for the successes recorded so far in our war against insurgency and other criminalities.
“I, therefore, wish to commend the CAS for the high-level of professionalism being displayed by the NAF.”
Congratulating all award winners and urging them not to rest on their oars, the SGF encouraged other personnel, who may not have received an award, not to despair. He noted that with perseverance and hard work their day of recognition would also come.
The Air Force said the occasion was meant to celebrate personnel, who showed courage in the face of terror and exhibited strength where others saw fear and personnel who applied ingenuity, where others perceived impossibility.
Leave a Reply