Bandits shot down fighter jet in Zamfara, pilot rescued

A pilot with the Nigerian Airforce, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, has been rescued after intense gunfire by armed bandits grounded a Nigerian Airforce Alpha Jet aircraft in Zamfara State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet, who confirmed the crash in a statement on Monday, said Dairo was returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna states when the aircraft came under attack and crashed.

He stated that Dairo escaped when he ejected from the aircraft before it crashed, adding that when he landed, the armed bandits gave him a hot chase.

Gabkwet said, “On July 18, 2021, around 12.45 pm, a Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna states, came under intense enemy fire which led to its crash in Zamfara State.

“Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft. Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset.

“Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued.

“It is instructive to note that upon receipt of the news of the crash, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts must be emplaced to rescue the pilot.”

Gabkwet stated that the NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot.

He added, “It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits...

We don't even know the difference between Boko Haram and The Vultures called Bandits again

Hmmmm, bandit wey dey shoot down fighters jet, Is that one still a bandit?





Naija na Scam

This country is scary!
Since this govt came into power in 2015, it has been terrible everyday

And to dis government arresting MNK is of more priority?

rebranded boko

Dmavin:
We don't even know the difference between Boko Haram and The Vultures called Bandits again

extremely terrible...

Ladiesdoctor:
This country is scary!
Since this govt came into power in 2015, it has been terrible everyday