27th January, 2022
The Nigeria Police have spoken on their Bell 429 5NMDA helicopter, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Tuesday 26 January 2022.
In a statement by Commissioner Frank Mba, the police said the helicopter was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.
“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 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 7:30PM (local time).
“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 1972”.