A Nigerian Air Force fighter jet has crashed in Niger State, with initial reports indicating the two pilots on board managed to eject safely from the aircraft before it hit the ground.
Incident Details and Eyewitness Accounts
The aviation accident occurred on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at approximately 4:10 PM. According to reports from Lapai TV, a local digital broadcaster, the military aircraft went down near the community of Karabonde, located within the Borgu Local Government Area.
Local residents who witnessed the event stated that the pilots successfully activated their ejection seats moments before the jet crashed. "The jet landed close to town, and fortunately, the pilots ejected safely," one eyewitness was quoted as saying. The aircraft subsequently caught fire upon impact.
Official Response and Ongoing Situation
As of the time of reporting on Saturday evening, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement concerning the incident. The lack of an immediate military comment is standard procedure to allow for an initial assessment and notification of next of kin.
The crash site near Karabonde is expected to be secured by military personnel to facilitate an investigation into the cause of the accident. Standard procedure in such cases involves a thorough inquiry to determine if the crash resulted from mechanical failure, human error, or other factors.
Context and Previous Incidents
While the Nigerian Air Force maintains a rigorous operational and safety standard, such incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with military aviation, particularly during training and operational flights. The safe ejection of the crew is a testament to the functionality of the aircraft's safety systems and the pilots' training.
The community of Karabonde and the broader Borgu LGA are now the focus of this developing story, as residents and authorities await further official information from the Nigerian Air Force headquarters.
