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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it is currently analysing the video released by Boko Haram, claiming to have shot down the Alpha Jet that was declared missing.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information made this known on Friday night.
He stated that although the video is still being thoroughly analysed, most parts of it were doctored to give the false impression that the aircraft was shot down.
Recall that a NAF Alpha Jet aircraft was reported missing in Borno State on 31 March 2021 after losing radar contact.
Meanwhile, a faction of Boko Haram came out to claim responsibility for the missing aircraft, saying they shot it down.
Boko Haram Releases Video Showing How They Shot-Down The Nigerian Air Force Jet, Killing The Pilots On Board. #HarassBuhariOutOfLondon pic.twitter.com/sA6w7ARzli
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) April 2, 2021
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However, the Nigerian Air Force is saying it is almost impossible for an aircraft to have exploded mid-air in the manner depicted in the video.
Gabkwet in the statement stressed an explosive impact of that nature would have scattered the debris of the aircraft across several miles.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to some videos being circulated on Social Media, as well as media reports drawn therefrom, alleging that the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft, which was reported missing in Borno State on 31 March 2021 after losing radar contact, was shot down by terrorists.
“One of such videos, in particular, began with sporadic shooting by several terrorists, including underaged children on motorcycles and vehicles.
“It later skipped abruptly to a scene depicting an aircraft exploding mid-air, supposedly as a result of enemy action.
“Another part of the video showed a terrorist, who, while standing by the wreckage, claimed that they had shot down the NAF aircraft.
“Although the video is still being thoroughly analysed, it is evident that most parts of the video were deliberately doctored to give the false impression that the aircraft was shot down.
“For instance, the video clip failed to show the correlation between the sporadic shooting, which even from casual observation was obviously aimed at ground targets, and the sudden mid-air aircraft explosion.
“In addition, it is almost impossible for an aircraft to have exploded mid-air, in the manner depicted in the video, and still have a good part of its fuselage, including its tail, intact. Indeed, an explosive impact of that nature would have scattered the debris of the aircraft across several miles.
“It is obvious that the Boko Haram Sect, in its characteristic manner of employing false propaganda, is seeking to claim credit for what was obviously an air accident that could have been caused by several other reasons; particularly at a time when the capability of the group to inflict mayhem has been significantly degraded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Consequently, Nigerians are please advised to ignore the contents of the videos making the rounds until all investigations as to how the aircraft crashed are completed.
“The NAF, on its part, remains resolute and will continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the North East of all terrorist elements”.