The Nigerian Air Force has released photographs of the two pilots who narrowly escaped death after safely ejecting from an aircraft that suffered an in-flight emergency in Niger State.
In a post on its official X account on Sunday, the Air Force commended the officers for their “exceptional bravery and professionalism.”
The incident occurred on Saturday during a routine post-maintenance test flight from Kainji Air Base, when an Alpha Jet developed a technical fault mid-air. The pilots ejected moments before the aircraft crashed near Karabonde village in the Borgu Local Government Area.
The Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, praised the pilots for successfully steering the jet away from populated areas before ejecting. He confirmed that both officers were undergoing routine medical evaluation.
He added that the Sunday Aneke had 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 NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate,” the statement read.
The Air Force’s Alpha Jet fleet is primarily used for training as well as air-to-ground operations and plays a significant role in internal security missions across the country.
