BREAKING: Nigerian Air Force Jet Crashes in Niger State, Pilots Survive

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet has crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Lapai TV, a Niger State–based online television network, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Saturday evening, reporting that the two pilots onboard survived after ejecting from the aircraft. The post was accompanied by a 57-second video from the scene.

An eyewitness had earlier shared a 48-second WhatsApp voice note and a separate 59-second video with PUNCH Online, also confirming that the pilots ejected safely before the jet went down.

According to him, “I think the aircraft took off from the Kainji Air Force Base. We learnt that the Air Force is already mobilising to the crash site.”

When contacted, a resident of the area, Lukman Sulaiman, also confirmed the crash.
“It happened a few miles from my house. The jet came very close to our roofs with smoke and flames. Thankfully, it didn’t crash inside the town. The pilots managed to steer it away before ejecting,” he said.

He added that the impact caused a loud explosion, prompting residents to flee in fear, believing miscreants had launched an attack.
“People ran towards the scene after the crash. By the time we arrived, the pilots had already left and were taken back to their base. The aircraft burned for about 30 minutes before firemen from the nearby military base arrived,” he narrated.

Two videos obtained by PUNCH Online show the jet engulfed in flames.

As of the time of filing this report, the military had not issued an official statement.

NAF Confirms Incident

However, in a later statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the jet experienced an in-flight emergency shortly after take-off during a post-inspection functional check flight at NAF Base Kainji.

He stated that the pilots displayed remarkable professionalism by steering the aircraft away from populated areas before ejecting. They are currently undergoing medical evaluation.

“NAF commends the exceptional bravery and professionalism of its Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected following an in-flight emergency today, 6 December 2025,” the statement read in part.

Ejodame added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has applauded the pilots for their courage and sound judgment, and has ordered the immediate setting up of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the crash.

He assured Nigerians of the Air Force’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the protection of lives and property in accordance with its constitutional mandate.