Two Nigerian Air Force pilots survived a fighter jet crash in Niger State on Friday after their Alpha Jet went down shortly after take-off, forcing them to eject and land safely.
The incident occurred during a routine post-maintenance flight, as officials described it. The aircraft developed a sudden fault mid-air, prompting the pilots to initiate emergency procedures to save both themselves and the residents on the ground.
The crash was reported near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area, not far from the Kainji Air Base where the flight originated.
According to reports, the pilots steered the aircraft away from residential locations, averting what could have become a civilian tragedy.
Moreover, the swift response and coordinated communication ensured the immediate deployment of search-and-rescue operations.
Speaking on the incident, Air Commodore Ehimen Edojame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed that the crew demonstrated what he described as “remarkable calm under intense pressure.”
He added, “Their decision to divert the aircraft away from settlement areas before ejecting reflects a high level of discipline and commitment to the safety of Nigerians.”
Sources within the Air Force disclosed that both officers are currently undergoing routine medical checks, as is the standard protocol following an ejection.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended the officers, describing their actions as a testament to the rigorous training and resilience embodied by the service.
He stated that an investigative panel has been empanelled to uncover both the cause of the malfunction and preventive strategies to strengthen fleet safety.
Furthermore, the Air Force leadership reiterated its pledge to maintain rigorous technical standards across its operations.
“The safety of our personnel and citizens remains non-negotiable,” a senior NAF official shared, adding that the institution continues to invest in both preventive maintenance and rapid response systems.
Hence, despite the loss of the aircraft, authorities insist the successful rescue of the pilots reinforces the importance of continuous training, emergency readiness and strict aviation safety compliance across the force.
This incident renews attention on Nigeria’s military aviation preparedness, especially as the country continues to deploy air operations in security operations nationwide and seeks to modernise its fleet.