A Nigerian Air Force jet has reportedly crashed near Karabonde in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. A Niger State-based online digital television network, Lapai TV, stated that two Nigerian Air Force pilots survived the crash of the Alpha Jet. The post included a 57-second video of the incident.
An eyewitness confirmed to Nigeria Today Online that the two pilots successfully ejected before the aircraft went down. The eyewitness noted that the aircraft appeared to be coming in low with smoke and flames and that it managed to land away from populated areas, avoiding a potential disaster.
The individual, identified as Lukman Sulaiman, described the moment the jet crashed: “It happened some miles away from my home. We were all at our respective homes when we suddenly saw an Alpha Jet approaching with smoke and flames. Thank God it didn’t crash in town. The pilots were able to control it and landed it some miles away from our hometown.”
He recounted hearing a loud crash and initially fearing it was a shooting incident. After the crash, villagers rushed to the scene, where they found the pilots had already ejected and were safely evacuated. The wreckage of the jet was on fire for about 30 minutes before military personnel arrived to extinguish the flames.
As of the latest updates, the military has not released any official communication regarding the crash. However, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the incident, explaining that the aircraft developed an in-flight emergency.
Ejodame commended the bravery and professionalism of the pilots for maneuvering the jet away from populated areas prior to ejecting and stated that they are currently undergoing medical evaluation. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the pilots for their swift action that prevented loss of life and has directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
“NAF reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence,” Ejodame stated.
