Buhari praises ‘gallant’ pilot who survived bandits’ attack on fighter jet

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock at the news of the crashed Nigerian Air Force jet.

Recall that the jet had reportedly crashed on Sunday when returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna states.

It was also reported that the jet came under heavy fire from bandits and it eventually crashed in Zamfara.

However, the pilot and a flight lieutenant identified as Abayomi Dairo survived the crash.

Reacting to the incident via a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson on Tuesday, Buhari said he was relieved that Dairo survived.

“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,” the statement read.

“The President, who was briefed on the successful operation by the nation’s defence forces to rescue the pilot, said he was pained by 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.’”