Nigerian Air Force Pilots Survive Alpha Jet Crash in Niger State
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that an Alpha Jet crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, during a post-inspection functional check flight.
The Air Force praised the skill and professionalism of the pilots, who successfully ejected from the aircraft following an in-flight emergency at the NAF Base in Kainji.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, explained that shortly after take-off, the aircraft developed a critical fault. The pilots promptly responded, steering the jet away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection.
“They expertly manoeuvred the aircraft to prevent harm to civilians before safely ejecting,” Ejodame stated. “The crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluations.”
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, commended the pilots for their courage, discipline, and quick judgment, noting that their actions averted any loss of life. He also announced the immediate formation of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to maintaining high safety standards and operational excellence,” Aneke said. “We are dedicated to safeguarding our personnel while protecting citizens and property, in line with our constitutional mandate.”
Earlier reports from SaharaReporters indicated that the two pilots survived after the Alpha Jet crash. The story was first shared by Lapai TV, a digital television network in Niger State, which posted a brief update and a video on its Facebook page.
In the video, smoke could be seen rising from the crash site, alarming locals who were unsure of the circumstances leading to the aircraft’s distress.
