By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief/Defence Correspondent) @CeleOkaf11
The authorities of the Nigerian Air Force said on Thursday that the missing Air force fighter jet may have crashed in yet to be identified destination.
NAF also revealed that the missing Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar had two crew members on board on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, when it took off. The names of the pilots are Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.
A statement on Friday by the Director, Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said “the cause of the crash as well as the whereabouts of the 2 pilots remain unknown.
“Intelligence report gathered by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) indicates that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with 2 crew members on board on 31 March 2021 might have crashed.
“Extensive search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground.
“At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued", Commodore Gabkwet stated. NNL.