A Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter crashed Monday near the troubled Bama, town in Borno State on Monday afternoon.

A statement by the Defemce spokesman, Chris Olukolade, stated that the helicopter which was on a training mission crashed due to technical fault, according to preliminary reports.

Olukolade said that investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident.

The military dismissed rumours that the chopper’s crash was as a result of any enemy action.

Our correspondent in Maiduguri, however, quotes military sources who cannot be named as they are not permitted to speak for the military as saying that the helicopter may have been downed by Boko Haram insurgents.

The Obama area is known to be prone to attacks by Boko Haram sect members who also possess anti aircraft guns.