Bandits Shoot Down Air Force Fighter JetA 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 hima 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,
successfuly 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 who were after him, thus enabling him
to find refuge and escape to a safe location.
"It is important to also recall that only recently, the President,h
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of
Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and
Kaduna states.
"It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface
forces, has in the last 2 weeks mounted intensive day and night air
interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these
three states. Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have
been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed.
"Despite the setback of yesterday's crash, the NAF remains committed to
fulfilling Mr President's mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned
to it. The willingness, readiness, and tested ability of the NAF remain unshaken
and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles"
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