A Nigerian Air Force jet has reportedly crashed near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident was said to have occurred Saturday evening.
This was disclosed by a Niger State-based online digital television network, Lapai TV, in a post on its official Facebook page on Saturday evening.
“Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots Reportedly Survive Alpha Jet Crash Close to Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State,” the post stated
At the time of filing this report, the military has yet to make any official communication about the incident.
Corroborating the incident, an eyewitness in a 48-second-long voice note via WhatsApp and a 59-second-long video said that the two pilots successfully ejected before the aircraft went down.
He said, “I think the aircraft took off from the Kainji air force base. We learnt that the air force is mobilising to the crash site.”
One of the villagers who identified himself as Lukman Sulaiman, confirmed the incident in a telephone call.
“The incident happened around 4.10pm. It landed very close town but God so good, the pilots ejected safely,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force commended the bravery and professionalism of its Alpha Jet pilots for safely ejected following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight today, 6 December 2025, at Nigerian Air Force Base Kainji.
The NAF Alfa craft developed an emergency, shortly after it took off, prompting the pilots to act swiftly and with remarkable composure, according to NAF.
They reportedly expertly manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection.
A statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, said the crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation, adding that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the pilots for their courage, discipline and sound judgement, which prevented loss of life.
He has also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence.
“The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate,” it said.
