The Nigerian Air Force has released photos of the two pilots who narrowly escaped death after ejecting from their aircraft during an in-flight emergency in Niger State.
In a post on its X handle on Sunday, the Air Force praised 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 critical fault. The pilots ejected safely before the aircraft crashed near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, commended the pilots for steering the jet away from populated areas before ejecting. He confirmed that both officers are undergoing routine medical checks.
He added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has set up a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to strict safety standards and operational excellence, and will continue to protect its personnel and the lives and property of citizens,” the statement said.
NAF’s Alpha Jets are used for training and air-to-ground missions and have played a major role in internal security operations nationwide.
