An Alfa Jet aircraft crashed a few kilometres from Karabonde town in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, on Saturday afternoon.
Both pilots on board ejected safely and were reported unharmed. No casualties or property damage were recorded.
According to a source who spoke to The Telegraph, the crash occurred at about 4:10 p.m. near Karabonde.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed the incident in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. The aircraft reportedly experienced an emergency shortly after take-off, prompting the pilots to act swiftly.
“They expertly manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection. The crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation,” the statement read.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the pilots for their “courage, discipline and sound judgement which prevented loss of life.”
NAF commended “the exceptional bravery and professionalism of its Alfa Jet pilots who safely ejected following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight on 6 December 2025 at Nigerian Air Force Base Kainji.”
Air Marshal Aneke has directed the immediate formation of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force reassured the public of its commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence, emphasizing its dedication to protecting both personnel and citizens’ lives and property in line with its constitutional mandate.
