This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile, has made history in the Nigerian Air Force, but her life was cut short in a tragic road accident.
On July 14, 2020, Flying Officer Arotile died from injuries sustained in the accident at an air force base in Kaduna state.
Commissioned to the air force in September 2017, Arotile had a short but impactful stay in the service, contributing significantly to efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements.
She flew several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, as part of her duties.
