The remains of the five-man Nigerian Air Force combat crew who died in a Mi-35M attack helicopter crash on January 2  have been buried.

The helicopter crashed while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno.

The late crew members are Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command; Flight Lt- Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot; Sgt. Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician; Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner; and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

They were laid to rest at 11:20 am on Tuesday at the National Military Cemetery Abuja, with full military honours, amidst wails and tears by family members, wives, relatives and sympathisers.

Wreaths were also laid by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and the wives of some of the officers.

He also presented the National colours to the families of the deceased crew members.

The burial ceremony was attended by representatives of the Service Chiefs, among other dignitaries.

The late officers were honoured with 21 gun salute (Firing of Volley) as well as the Last Post.

In his remarks at the internment ceremony, the air chief said that the late officers died for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

“These gallant heroes lost their lives in the pursuit of the peace which we all enjoy and often take for granted. We salute the courage of these young men, whose lot it became to give their lives for this purpose.”

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