A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) maritime patrol aircraft made an emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State on Monday after losing its tyres.

It was gathered that the NAF aircraft, Cessna Citation CJ3, was on a routine flight to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, when it lost its tyres.

The development was said to have forced the aircraft to land with its belly without the aid of a landing gear at the Lagos airport.

Confirming the incident via a statement on Monday, the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Wap Maigida, said the aircraft carried out a “controlled belly land”, adding that no causality was recorded.

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Maigida stated: “A Nigerian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft, a Cessna Citation CJ3 on a routine flight today, 6 February 2023 lost its tyres on touch and go flight in Ilorin and had to carry out a controlled belly land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries to any crew member or persons on the ground.”

He noted that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has set up a committee to investigate the incident.

“The Chief of Air Staff has directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause(s) of the accident.

“The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the general public as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians,” the NAF spokesperson added.

The Star