Nigerian Air Force jet crashes in Niger state

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet crashed near the NAF Base in Kainji, Niger State, on Saturday following an in-flight emergency shortly after take-off. The two pilots on board survived the incident after safely ejecting from the aircraft.
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The NAF confirmed the crash, which occurred during a post-inspection functional check flight. The pilots were praised for their exceptional bravery and professionalism for moving the jet away from the Karabonde community in Borgu Local Government Area, which is a densely populated area, before executing their ejection, thereby preventing any loss of civilian life or property damage on the ground.
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According to a statement released by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft developed a fault shortly after taking off from the base.
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Both crew members were successfully recovered and are currently undergoing medical evaluation at a NAF health facility. No casualties were reported on the ground.
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The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, lauded the pilots for their courage, discipline and judgement, which according to him prevented a major tragedy from happening. He charged the Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident. This probe will seek to determine the precise nature of the technical fault that led to the in-flight emergency.
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