Air chief visits jet pilots who survived Niger State crash
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has commended the bravery and professionalism of the two Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected after their aircraft experienced an in-flight emergency and crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Aneke gave the commendation during a visit to the pilots at the hospital in Abuja on Saturday night, December 6, 2025.
He hailed their “sound judgement and exemplary discipline,” noting that their quick response prevented possible casualties on the ground.
The CAS also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.
He further praised the coordinated efforts of fire and crash response teams, medical personnel, and other base staff who secured the crash site and supported recovery operations.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said the incident occurred shortly after take-off during a post-inspection functional check flight at NAF Base Kainji.
According to the NAF, the pilots kept their composure, maneuvered the aircraft away from populated areas and executed a safe ejection.
The service said both pilots were immediately recovered by Search and Rescue teams and are undergoing routine medical evaluation.
