Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that its helicopter, Bell 429 5NMDA, crashed on Wednesday in Bauchi.
Some media outlets (Gatekeepers News not included) had reported that occupants of the helicopter which was lying from Abuja to Bauchi sustained injuries but no fatality.
However, on Thursday, the Force in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, said the helicopter was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport as against the reports.
“The aircraft did not crash as being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever. All six (6) on board including the pilot and co-pilot are in good condition.
“Similarly, the aircraft, which was flown by one of the best Police Pilots, was professionally safe-landed with minor damage on the rear rotor as a result of obstacle at the landing spot. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM (local time),” the statement reads in part.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap.
He further noted that the Nigeria Police Air-wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and thirteen (13) helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.
