Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter conveying personnel on medical
outreach programme at Gwoza came under attack early today by members of
the Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) group.
Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Group Captain, Ayodele Famuyiwa, in a statement
said the Mi-17 helicopter was shot at severally by the insurgents.
However, there was no casualty except for an airman that sustained bullet wound.
The helicopter had departed from Maiduguri enroute the venue of the
2-day medical outreach programme in Gwoza when it came under attack by
Boko Haram.
Continuing he said, “Nevertheless, the pilot was able to fly the
helicopter safely to and from its destination to enable the outreach
programme continue uninterrupted.
“Following the attack, the NAF immediately scrambled a fighter
aircraft and helicopter gunship to the location between Bama and Gwoza
to neutralise the threat.
“Intelligent report by ground troops confirmed scores of BHTs were
killed, signifying that the air attack on the threat location was
successful.
“Recall that the NAF has been conducting medical outreach in the
North East as part of its humanitarian support to Internally Displaced
Persons.
“The latest of this effort was in Gwoza. This follows a similar effort undertaken recently for IDPs in Lagos area”.