A Nigerian Air Force jet has reportedly fell off the sky near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, according to an online digital television network, Lapai TV in the state.
The online broadcast medium stated this in a post on its official Facebook account on Saturday evening:
“Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots Reportedly Survive Alpha Jet Crash Close to Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State,” the short post, accompanied by a 57-second-long video, read.
Also, multiple sources claimed that the jet crashed some minutes after 4pm, not long after it ircraft took off from the Kainji air force base.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has confirmed the crash and commended the bravery and professionalism of the pilots who safely ejected following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight at Nigerian Air Force Base Kainji.
The NAF Alfa craft developed an emergency, shortly after it took off, prompting the pilots to act swiftly and with remarkable composure, according to NAF.
They were said to have deftly piloted the aircraft out of populated areas before executing a safe ejection.
In a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, said the crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation, adding that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the pilots for their courage, discipline and sound judgement, which prevented loss of life.
He has also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence.
“The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate,” it said.
