Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Air Force confirms that an Alpha Jet crash in Niger State results from an in-flight emergency, with both pilots ejecting safely.
The aircraft went down on Saturday near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area, shortly after taking off from the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kainji for a post-inspection functional check flight.
Eyewitnesses report hearing a loud explosion around 4:10 p.m., followed by thick smoke and flames as the jet hits the ground, triggering panic among nearby residents. “We heard a very loud sound and then saw fire when the aircraft crashed,” one resident says.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame says the pilots respond swiftly and professionally to the emergency.
“Shortly after take-off, the aircraft developed a fault, prompting the pilots to manoeuvre away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection,” Ejodame says.
The Air Force confirms that the pilots are undergoing routine medical evaluation and commends their composure and judgement.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke orders an immediate Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident, reaffirming NAF’s commitment to flight safety and operational excellence.
The Air Force assures Nigerians of continued efforts to protect lives and property while maintaining stringent safety standards.
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