Pilot rescued as bandits shoot down military jet in Zamfara

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft was shot down by bandits on Sunday.

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft was shot down by bandits on Sunday.

There were reports of a crash involving military aircraft the authorities denied the stories.

• Bandits gun down 13 police officers in Zamfara
• EXCLUSIVE: Bandits’ leader, Turji, releases Zamfara villagers, reunites with father

However, in a statement on Monday, Spokesman of NAF, Edward Gabkwet, said a military jet was attacked while returning from an air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

He, however, said the pilots and all other occupants were rescued, saying the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft.

“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, successfully 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.”