How beheaded Air Force pilot killed 63 terrorists

Friends and colleagues of Wing Commander Chimda Hedima, who was reportedly beheaded by Boko Haram, have given a vivid account of how the Air Force pilot spent his last days.

Hedima, who was showered with praises by thousands of Nigerians on Saturday, reportedly kept a dignified composure in the face of death.

Hedima’s colleagues on different social media on Saturday said Hedima, who was born in 1975, crashed the aircraft into an area where Boko Haram militants were and killed at least 63 of the insurgents.

On the Facebook page of the Nigerian Army Support Group, his friends wrote, “It is with deep regret that we announce the death of a true Nigerian hero, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima. This man was a hero of the highest order.

“On September 11, 2014, a company of Nigerian Army soldiers attempted to overrun a Boko Haram position in Borno. Due to the low altitude, the plane suffered significant damage from the terrorists’ gunfire.

“Wing Commander Hedima and his partner realised that they were going to crash.

“They, instead of hurriedly parachuting to safety within Nigerian controlled territory, chose to embark on a mission to destroy as many terrorists and their weapons as possible. They parachuted out at the last minute but not before ensuring that their plane slammed into a column of terrorists in which 63 Boko Haram members were killed as a result of their bravery.

“Wing Commander Hedima was captured. On September 12, he was killed.

“He chose Nigeria, he chose all of us. We cannot forget him. Please share his story. His name should be known by everyone.

“Rest in peace Commander, we are grateful. May you find eternal peace.”

While the military on Saturday said it was still studying the video and would talk at the appropriate time, Nigerians and family members have continued to pay tributes to Hedima.