Nigeria, Jan. 3 -- A Nigerian air force helicopter being used to bomb Boko Haram members has crashed.

The crash was confirmed by the air force spokesperson, Ibikunle Daramola.

Mr Daramola, an air commodore, said details of the cause of the crash are "still scanty."

"Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Helicopter was lost in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State," Mr Daramola said.

"The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.

"The incident, occurred about 7:45 pm today, 2 January 2019. Details of the cause of the crash are still scanty.

"As soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public."

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