The Nigerian Air Force has commended two of its pilots for what it described as “exceptional bravery and professionalism” after they safely ejected from an Alpha Jet aircraft that developed an in-flight fault in Niger State.
According to the NAF, the incident occurred on Saturday during a routine post-maintenance test flight from the Kainji Air Base when the aircraft experienced a technical problem midair. The pilots successfully activated the ejection seats before the jet crashed near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area.
In a post shared on its official X handle on Sunday, the Air Force released photographs of the officers receiving medical care and praised their conduct during the emergency.
“The officers displayed exceptional bravery and professionalism in handling the situation,” the NAF stated.
Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the pilots deliberately manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before ejecting, a move he said helped prevent casualties on the ground.
“Both pilots are currently undergoing routine medical evaluation and are in stable condition,” Ejodame confirmed.
He also disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has ordered the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
“The Nigerian Air Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence,” the statement read. “NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate.”
The Alpha Jet involved is part of the NAF fleet primarily used for training and air-to-ground missions and has been widely deployed for internal security operations across the country.
