Flight Lieutenant Akweke Junior Nwakile, the MI–35 attack helicopter pilot who died in active service recently, has been buried with full military honours, and praised by the government for gallantry.
Nwakile died in an air crash while serving in Operation Zamah Lafiya in Northeastern Nigeria. He was buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
At the event, Lieutenant General Aliyu Gusau Mohammed (Rtd), the Minister of Defence, noted that although the dream of a promising and fulfilling career of Nwakile has come to an end, Nigeria’s current security challenges demand courage, selflessness and great commitment from all Nigerians.
He therefore urged the family of the late hero and all the serving members of the Armed Forces to see the unfortunate demise of the officer as a call to the service of Nigeria.
“It is the fervent prayer of the nation, that the demise of this young gallant officer who laid down his life in the course of such noble duty will not be in vain,” the General said.
He underlined that though Nwakile’s aircraft was not brought down by enemy action as had been speculated in some quarters, and praised him for being able to force-land it when it malfunctioned such that the other two crew members survived the crash. Nigeria, he said, must be proud of the gallantry of the deceased who proudly demonstrated the doggedness and tenacity of a combat helicopter pilot.
The Minister also conveyed the condolences of President Goodluck Jonathan to the family of the officer, emphasising that the President appreciates the great sacrifice of Nwakile and other members of the Armed Forces who have continued to ensure enduring peace in the nation.
President Jonathan, he declared, is committed to doing all that is necessary to support the Armed Forces in carrying out its duties towards ensuring the sanctity of a united Nigeria.
