Military plane on recon mission crashes in Abuja, kills all on board

A Nigerian Air Force jet, NAF201, with seven persons, including crew members on board, crashed in Abuja Sunday.

The Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft departed Abuja in the morning before it crashed, killing all the persons on board.

“This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” said Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola,  Director of Public Relations and Information in a statement

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”

There have been reports the plane had made round trips on reconnaissance mission to Niger where school children were kidnapped by bandits.

Nigerians await the announcement of the dead victims.