No, the helicopter which crashed in Nigeria is not an Indian Air Force helicopter

A Twitter user with the handle name Er. Durgesh Pandey (Archive link) posted an image showing an aircraft crash along with a caption in Hindi that, when translated, reads: “While the nation commemorates Independence Day, a tragic incident unfolds as an Indian Air Force MI-171 helicopter crashes in Nigeria. The accident claims the lives of 26 soldiers and leaves 8 others injured.”

Additionally, an account under the username INH 24X7 (Archive link) also shared the same image, asserting that the Indian Air Force MI-171 helicopter has met with an accident in Nigeria, resulting in the loss of 26 soldiers’ lives and causing injuries to 8 others.

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Fact Check

In the early stages of our investigation, we conducted a reverse image search of the helicopter wreckage and came across a corresponding image in an article published by The Will News. According to their report, on the afternoon of August 14, a MI-171 Helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Airforce was involved in a crash within Niger State.

The report goes on to provide details, mentioning that a statement was issued by the Nigerian Airforce through their spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. This statement conveyed that the helicopter was on a mission for the purpose of casualty evacuation prior to the incident. The crash transpired at approximately 1:00 pm, in the vicinity of Chukuba Village within the state of Niger. The helicopter had originally intended to travel from Zungeru Primary School to Kaduna; however, it was subsequently confirmed that the crash location was closer to Chukuba Village, situated in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Furthermore, for additional confirmation, Only Fact sought out news report videos related to the Nigerian aircraft crash on YouTube. Employing relevant keywords, we encountered several media reports. One such report by TVC News Nigeria informed that the NAF MI-171 helicopter, engaged in a mission for casualty evacuation, had crashed at Uma village in a Nigerian state.

Thus, based on the aforementioned factors, the assertion that the helicopter crash in Nigeria involved the Indian Air Force is inaccurate and fake. It should be noted that the helicopter involved in the evacuation operation was from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

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