The Nigerian Air Force in Abuja on Wednesday presented cheques to families and next of kin of 22 officers who lost their lives while on active service.

Among the officers’ relatives, who got the cheques, were Squ.-Ldr. Benjamin Ado and Flying Officer Ayuba  Layelmeson.

The two Alpha Jet Pilots lost their lives during the African-led Support Mission ((AFISMA) operation in Mali. They died when their aircraft crashed during a reconnaissance operation.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, said the Post Service Insurance cheques were meant to ameliorate challenges faced by the families of the deceased.

Amosu assured the next of kin that they remained part of the ``Air Force family” despite losing their breadwinners.

``We are always here for you. You can count on us always. You still remain members of the NAF family,” he said.

He advised members of the families of the deceased officers not to allow the money they received to cause disharmony among them.

Similarly, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine in conjunction with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria has presented a five-star performance award to the 445 Nigeria Air Force Hospital Laboratories, Ikeja.

The award, the organisations said, was in recognition of the hospital's high laboratory standards.