What happens to missing Alpha -Jet aircraft—NAF

By Correspondent in Abuja

Contrary to some media reports indicating that the NAF jet missing about three days ago in Borno state has been found though without the two pilots, the Nigerian Airforce says the Alpha-Jet aircraft might have crashed.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Abuja, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, stated this in a statement he issued in Abuja.

The NAF image maker said intelligent report gathered by its surveillance aircraft, Special Forces and ground troops indicated that the aircraft might have crashed, but that the
cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the two pilots remained unknown. 

He gave the names of the pilots involved as Flt.-Lt. John Abolarinwa and Flt.- Lt. Ebiakpo Chapele. 

According to him, extensive search and rescue efforts continues, by NAF surveillance aircraft and NAF Special Forces as well as Nigerian Army troops on ground. 

NAF said while it was not ruling out anything regarding the incident, it was, however, hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.

The Reporters recalls that Nigerians were greeted with the sad news that NAF Alpha-Jet aircraft (NAF-475) went off the radar with two crew members on board, on March 31 in Borno state.