Nigerian Air Force

Seven die in Nigerian Air Force Abuja plane crash

The Nigerian Air Force plane had reported engine failure, the military spokesman tweeted.

The plane was on the way to Minna, in the northern state of Niger to try to rescue 42 people who had been kidnapped.

The chief of air staff has ordered an immediate investigation.

In a series of tweets, the air force asked the public to "remain calm & await the outcome of investigation".

Air force spokesman Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola said that all those on board the small aircraft had died.

Nigeria: troops rescue 178 people, destroy extremist camps

Spokesman Col. Tukur Gusau said that 101 of those freed are children, along with 67 women and 10 men.

The Nigerian Air Force reported killing "a large number" of militants in repelling an attack on Bitta village, 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of the army operations that took place around Bama, 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Maiduguri city. Maiduguri is the birthplace of Boko Haram and the capital of northeastern Borno state.