Two pilots of the Nigerian Air Force and three other personnel aboard a military helicopter have been killed when the aircraft crashed in combat with Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

The Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, announced the death of the soldiers in a statement on Thursday.

The NAF personnel include Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – pilot in command, and Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – co-pilot.

Others are Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim – flight technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – gunner, and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – gunner.

Air Commodore Daramola disclosed that the remains of the deceased personnel have been recovered and taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Air Force spokesman revealed that following the incident, the Air Chief paid a condolence visit to Maiduguri on Thursday.

He called for more understanding and support with an assurance that the Air Force would continually strive to ensure the security of the nation and its people.