NAF confirms Alpha Jet crashes in Niger State, pilots commended for professionalism

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commended two of its Alpha Jet pilots for their exceptional courage and professionalism after they safely ejected from the aircraft following a serious in-flight emergency on Friday, 6 December 2025.

The incident occurred shortly after take-off during a routine post-inspection functional check flight at NAF Base Kainji, Niger State.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft developed a critical emergency moments after becoming airborne.

The pilots, displaying remarkable composure, deliberately steered the jet away from populated areas before executing a successful ejection.

Both crew members are in good health and are currently undergoing routine post-ejection medical evaluation.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the pilots for their discipline, sound judgement, and selfless actions, which he said averted potential loss of life and property on the ground.

Air Marshal Aneke has directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to the highest safety standards and operational excellence, assuring the public that the service will continue to maintain rigorous maintenance and flight safety protocols.

The Alpha Jet reportedly crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, triggering panic among residents but leaving both pilots unharmed after they reportedly ejected before impact.

The crash happened on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

The incident was first reported by Lapai TV, a Niger State based digital network, which disclosed the development on its official Facebook page.

Further confirmation came from a witness who shared a 48-second voice note and another video via WhatsApp, showing that the pilots abandoned the aircraft moments before it went down.

He said, “I think the aircraft took off from the Kainji air force base. We learnt that the air force is mobilising to the crash site.”

A resident of the community, Lukman Sulaiman, also confirmed the crash in a telephone conversation.

“The incident happened around 4.10pm. It landed very close town but God so good, the pilots ejected safely,” he said.

Asked if the pilots were uninjured, he stated, “Yes, we heard a noisy landing crash. We were scared.

“But we eventually started trooping back to the scene.”

Footage obtained shows the wreckage of the jet engulfed in flames as villagers watched from a distance.