A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha jet reportedly crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, but both pilots survived the incident, according to sources. The crash occurred under circumstances that are still under investigation by the Air Force and relevant authorities.
Eyewitnesses said the military jet went down in a sparsely populated area, avoiding residential communities, which likely prevented further casualties. Early reports suggest that the pilots were able to eject from the aircraft before it hit the ground, sustaining no life-threatening injuries. They were reportedly attended to immediately by rescue teams and taken to a nearby military medical facility for observation.
The Alpha jet, a key aircraft used by the Nigerian Air Force for training and reconnaissance, was on a routine flight when the crash occurred. Local sources reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a fireball at the crash site, which drew the attention of nearby residents. Military personnel quickly cordoned off the area, preventing civilians from approaching the wreckage.
Although the exact cause of the crash is not yet known, preliminary indications point to a technical fault or mechanical failure. The Air Force has dispatched a team of investigators to Niger State to examine the aircraft and determine what led to the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force has not released a formal statement detailing the circumstances of the crash, but officials assured that the safety and well-being of personnel remain their top priority. They also highlighted that the incident did not pose any threat to nearby communities, as the jet went down in a remote area.
NAF experts are expected to carry out a thorough investigation, which will include checking the aircraft’s maintenance records, flight logs, and black box data to establish the cause. Such investigations are routine in military aviation to prevent future accidents and improve safety protocols for pilots.
Aircraft accidents involving the Nigerian military are rare, but they occasionally occur during training missions or operational flights. The Alpha jet is a two-seater aircraft used primarily for pilot training and light attack missions. Its robust design includes ejection seats to allow pilots to escape safely in emergencies, which in this case likely saved the lives of the two pilots.
Niger State, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, is home to several military training and operational areas, including airstrips used for exercises. The state has generally been considered safe for civilian populations, but the crash serves as a reminder of the risks involved in military aviation.
Residents of Karabonde and nearby villages expressed relief that no one on the ground was harmed. Many described the scene as “shocking” but said they were grateful that the pilots survived. Local authorities have called on civilians to avoid the crash site and allow military investigators to carry out their work.
