Ndudi Anyim
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has confirmed that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475), that went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31, might have crashed.
According to NAF, the cause of the crash as well as the whereabouts of the two pilots remain unknown.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, identified the pilots as Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.
“ 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, ” the NAF spokesperson said.