Residents of a community in Niger State were thrown into panic on Saturday afternoon following the crash of a military aircraft. A Nigerian Air Force jet went down in the Borgu Local Government Area, but in a fortunate turn of events, the two pilots on board managed to eject to safety.
Incident Details and Eyewitness Accounts
The crash occurred in the vicinity of Karabonde, in Borgu LGA of Niger State, on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Initial reports from the scene indicate the incident happened at approximately 4:10 PM. An eyewitness, Lukman Sulaiman, a local villager, confirmed the timing and expressed relief at the pilots' survival.
"It landed very close to town but God is so good, the pilots ejected safely," Sulaiman stated. Another source suggested the aircraft likely took off from the nearby Kainji Air Force Base, a key operational site for the Nigerian Air Force. Following the crash, military personnel were swiftly mobilized to secure the crash site.
Official Confirmation and Source
The first official report of the accident came from a Niger State-based media outlet, Lapai TV. The station broke the news via its official Facebook account on the evening of the incident. Their post read: "Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots Reportedly Survive Alpha Jet Crash Close to Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State." This confirmation provided the first reliable details to the public, clarifying that the aircraft involved was an Alpha Jet and that both airmen survived the ordeal.
Aftermath and Response
The immediate aftermath saw a swift response from the Nigerian Air Force. According to information gathered from the scene, security forces were deployed to the location to cordon off the area and begin preliminary investigations. The successful ejection of the pilots is a significant detail, highlighting the effectiveness of the aircraft's safety systems and the training of the personnel involved. The focus now shifts to the military's official statement and the commencement of an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
While such incidents understandably cause alarm within host communities, the safe ejection of the pilots prevented a tragic loss of life. The event underscores the inherent risks of military aviation operations and the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols.
