Nigeria Air Force Pilots Cheat Death After Jet Crash in Niger State

Panic gripped Karabonde community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday after a Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet crashed, forcing its two pilots to eject moments before the aircraft exploded.

The jet, which took off from the Kainji Air Force Base for a post-inspection functional check flight, reportedly developed an in-flight emergency around 4:10 pm.

Residents said they saw the aircraft “flying unusually low” with smoke and flames behind it before it plummeted into a bushy area on the outskirts of the town.

A resident who witnessed the incident said, “We suddenly saw the jet coming down with fire at the back. People started running because we didn’t know where it would land. Not long after, we heard a loud blast.”

Lapai TV, a digital platform in Niger State, first broke the news with a video showing thick smoke rising from the crash site. The platform confirmed that the pilots ejected safely before the jet hit the ground.

Security personnel from a nearby base arrived shortly after to battle the fire as the wreckage burned for several minutes.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, later confirmed the crash, describing the pilots’ actions as “exceptional professionalism.”

According to him, “The crew ensured the aircraft was maneuvered away from populated areas before ejecting. Both officers are currently undergoing routine medical checks.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed a Board of Inquiry to determine what led to the emergency.

Ejodame reassured Nigerians that the Air Force remains committed to maintaining high safety standards, adding that protecting civilians and its personnel remains a top priority.

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