On Monday, a Nigerian military helicopter crashed while landing at an airport in the capital Niamey.
According to the statement, the helicopter was returning from a routine training flight when it crashed on a military runway.
The wreckage caught fire, preventing rescuers from reaching the crew.
According to the defence ministry, the crash killed three people on board, including an expatriate instructor.
The precise cause of the crash is unknown at this time. A commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the accident.