The Defence Headquarters

By KINGSLEY OMONOBI-ABUJA.

The Defence Headquarters yesterday debunked online media reports that a third Nigerian Air force helicopter crashed in Yola, yesterday.

A statement contained in the twitter handle of DHQ said, “There was NO crash involving any Helicopter or Airplane of the Nigerian Air Force today as reported on Social Media”.

The report in social media had claimed that a third helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Airforce has crashed in the Damare neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood is close to the Federal University of Technology in Yola, Adamawa State, where an air force Super Puma helicopter crashed last week.

Meanwhile, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the Brigade Commander of the 234 battalion in Yola (names with-held) was shot and wounded on the hand and 2 soldiers lost their lives as he led troops in the offensive to recapture communities seized by Boko Haram terrorists.

During one of the encounters, 5 soldiers also sustained injuries. The Brigade Commander and the 5 soldiers are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.

Confirming the development in its blog, DHQ noted that in the ongoing battle to liberate communities captured by Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, troops are currently conducting aggressive patrols in and around Garkida after clearing the town of terrorists yesterday.

According to DHQ, “A highly coordinated Air Force operation is backing the troop’s movement and operations in the mission area.

“Similar air and land patrols along with mop up operations are being conducted in places such as Gombi, Pella, Hong, Fachi and Duma localities where terrorists have been dislodged as troops continue to advance in their pursuit.

“Also, more heavy weapons such as Anti-Aircraft Guns, General Purpose Machine Guns, IED materials, Rocket Propel Launchers as well as rifles and items such as vehicles, motorcycles are being recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

“The morale of troops is reported high as they continue on the offensive.

“The bodies of 2 soldiers who died in one of the encounters have been recovered while the 5 wounded including a Brigade Commander are presently receiving treatment.”