SAD NEWS: Nigeria’s First-ever Female Combatant Helicopter Pilot Dies at 23

By Lazarus Zakaa, Abuja

NAF has announced the death of it’s first female combatant helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile

Arotile died at the age of 23 in Kaduna on Tuesday after suffering multiple head injuries from a road crash

The flying officer was winged as NAF first female combatant helicopter on Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has announced the tragic loss of its first female combatant helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile, who died barely eight months after she was winged and conferred with a special recognition.

Arotile’s death, which was described as “unfortunate” was announced on Tuesday, July 14, by NAF in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunke Daramala, The late officer was said to have died in a road crash in Kaduna.

The 23-year-old flying officer gave up the ghost after suffering head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.

“It is with great sorrow that the Nigeria Air Force regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died on 14 July 2020 as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.

“Until her death, Fg Offr Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in Sept 2017 as a member of Nigeria Defence Academy RC 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service,” part of the statement read.

While describing the late pilot’s death as an irreplaceable loss, NAF said it commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest.