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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the gallant pilot of the Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, who successfully ejected from an aircraft that came under “intense ground fire from bandits” in Zamfara State, Northwest, at the weekend.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari commended Dairo after he was briefed on the successful operation by the defence forces to rescue the pilot, saying he was pained by the news of the air crash.
“I was shocked by the devastating news of the air crash, but felt much relieved, following the successful ejection by the pilot and his eventual rescue. May the injured pilot recover at the earliest time,” the president said.
Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, said: “On July 18, 2021, at about 12.45pm, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission, between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State 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.”
