The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its helicopter
conveying personnel on medical outreach programme at Gwoza came under attack by
the Boko Haram insurgents.
A statement by its Director of Public Relations and
Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa made available to newsmen in Abuja
disclosed this on Thursday.
According to Famuyiwa, the Mi-17 helicopter was shot at
several times by the insurgents, however, there was no casualty except for an
airman that sustained bullet wound.
He explained that the helicopter had departed from
Maiduguri enroute the venue of the 2-day medical outreach programme in Gwoza
when it came under attack by the insurgents.
“Nevertheless, the pilot was able to fly the helicopter
safely to and from its destination to enable the outreach programme continue
uninterrupted.
“Following the attack, NAF immediately scrambled a
fighter aircraft and helicopter gunship to the location between Bama and Gwoza
to neutralise the threat,” he ssid.
Famuyiwa added that intelligent report by ground troops
confirmed that scores of insurgents were killed, signifying that the air attack
on the threat location was successful.
-NAN
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