Ex-DSS Director reveals why military planes keep crashing in Nigeria

Former Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, has identified factors behind the frequent military aircraft crashes in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Mike Ejiofor lamented the recurring issue of aircraft crashes and the urgent need for improved maintenance standards within the Nigerian Air Force.

He stressed that the incident stemmed from a broader lack of maintenance culture across the Nigerian society, suggesting that internal audit is necessary to ensure airworthiness and proper personal training.

His remark comes after the recent NAF plane crash in Ondo State that killed several people.

“So this crash is just one too many, and I think we need to do internal auditing of the Nigerian Air Force to ensure that the aircraft are airworthy and that the people receive training. Don’t forget that it’s not only the Air Force; the various parts of society also have this lack of maintenance culture in Nigeria.

“I call for comprehensive internal auditing of both the aircraft and men, because we can’t just continue to lose men, lose equipment, materials, and all that. I think it’s high time the government stepped up its proactive approaches.

“And the Air Force authorities also have to look inwards to see what it actually is. Is it lack of maintenance or training? I’m sure they are trained,” he said.