Seven killed as Nigerian military aircraft crashes near Abuja airport

The air force spokesperson, Ibikunle Daramola confirmed the crash in a statement saying that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed, while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

"All 7 personnel on board died in the crash," he added.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), @CAS_IOAmao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. While urging the general public to remain calm & await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.

— Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) February 21, 2021

He added that the Chief of the Air Staff has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, urging the public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation.

A source at the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) disclosed that the voice recorder of the aircraft had been found.

"From the voice recorder found, we can tell that the pilot did not declare Mayday. He obviously thought he would make it to the runway which is 400 metres away from here," said the anonymous source

First responders, including the fire service and local residents in Bassanjuwa had a hectic time putting off the fire and searching for the victims.

The jet was on a surveillance mission to the Niger state, where scores of students and residents were kidnapped in Kagara town of the state on Wednesday.