Two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots reportedly survived a mid-air emergency on Saturday evening after their Alpha Jet aircraft crashed close to the Karabonde community in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The survival of the crew, who successfully ejected from the jet before impact, has averted a major tragedy in the area.
Pilots Eject Before Impact
The incident, which occurred around 4:10 PM on Saturday, saw the NAF Alpha Jet encounter distress, forcing the pilots to execute an emergency ejection. Eyewitnesses confirmed that both crew members managed to escape the aircraft before it went down near the town.
Local reports indicated that the jet was immediately engulfed in flames upon impact, with thick smoke rising from the crash site, sparking concern among residents.
The news was initially made public by Lapai TV, a Niger State–based digital platform, which posted an update on its official Facebook page, stating: “Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots Reportedly Survive Alpha Jet Crash Close to Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.”
Military Mobilization Underway
While the cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, the affected aircraft is suspected to have taken off from the nearby Kainji Air Force Base.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to release an official statement confirming the crash, the cause, or the operational details of the affected aircraft. However, local sources confirm that the military is mobilizing personnel to the site to secure the wreckage and retrieve the pilots.
