Air force alpha jet crashes in Niger state

NAF jet

An air force jet has reportedly crashed in a community in Borgu LGA of Niger state.

Two pilots reportedly escaped from the aircraft before it crashed near Karabonde community on Saturday.

In a statement, Ehimen Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) director of public relations and information, said the incident happened during a post-inspection test flight emergency.“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) commends the exceptional bravery and professionalism of its Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight today, 6 December 2025, at Nigerian Air Force Base Kainji,” Ejodame said.

“Shortly after take-off, the aircraft developed an emergency, prompting the pilots to act swiftly and with remarkable composure. They expertly manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection. The crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation.

“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has 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.”Meanwhile, this is not the first air force jet crash.

In 2023, a NAF trainer aircraft crashed in Makurdi, the Benue state capital. Although no deaths were recorded, the two pilots on board were injured and hospitalised.

In 2021, a fighter jet deployed to fight Boko Haram insurgents lost radar contact and crashed in Borno State.

Another air force aircraft crashed in Kaduna in 2017.