An Alfa Jet aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force crashed on Saturday near Karabonde town in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, with both pilots safely ejecting before the aircraft went down.
The incident occurred at about 4:10 p.m., a few kilometres from the community. No casualties were recorded, and no buildings or properties were affected.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft developed an emergency shortly after take-off during a post-inspection functional check flight from NAF Base Kainji. The pilots were said to have “acted swiftly and with remarkable composure,” steering the jet away from populated areas before ejecting.
The crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the pilots for their “courage, discipline and sound judgement,” noting that their actions prevented loss of life. He announced the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict safety standards and protecting both its personnel and the civilian population in line with its constitutional mandate.
