Military jet crashes in Niger State as pilots eject safely

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet has crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, with both pilots reportedly ejecting safely before the aircraft went down.

The incident occurred at about 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, according to residents who witnessed the aircraft descending in distress.

Lapai TV, a Niger State–based online digital television network, first reported the crash in a short post on its official Facebook page, stating: “Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots Reportedly Survive Alpha Jet Crash Close to Karabonde.” The post was accompanied by a 57-second video showing smoke rising from the crash site.

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An eyewitness who spoke to newsmen confirmed that the pilots ejected moments before the jet hit the ground.

“I think the aircraft took off from the Kainji Air Force Base. We learnt that the air force is mobilising to the crash site,” the witness reported.

Lukman Sulaiman, a resident of Karabonde, also confirmed the incident in a phone call with journalists.

“The incident happened around 4:10 p.m. It landed very close to town but, God so good, the pilots ejected safely,” he said.

Asked whether the pilots sustained injuries. “Yes, we heard a noisy landing crash. We were scared. But we eventually started trooping back to the scene”, he explained.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has not issued any official statement regarding the crash, the condition of the pilots, or the cause of the incident.

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