A Nigeria Police Helicopter, Bell 429 5N-MDA, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Tuesday, was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, says Police Spokesman Frank Mba.
In a statement by CP Mba’s office, the Force Public Relations Officer said the aircraft did not crash as was being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever.
He said all six officers onboard, 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, CP Mba said.
The Police statement also confirmed that the incident occurred around 7:30PM (local time) on Tuesday.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air mishap.
IGP Alkali Baba also attempted to reassure the Nigerian public, saying that the Police Air-wing fleet, which include one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and 13 helicopters, has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in 1972.
Editing by Omotola Oguneye and Tony Okerafor