Military Jet Crashes in Niger State; Both Pilots Reportedly Safe After Ejection

NIGER STATE, Nigeria — A Nigerian Air Force fighter jet crashed on Saturday afternoon near a community in Niger State, with early reports indicating both pilots survived by safely ejecting before the aircraft went down.

The incident occurred around 4:10 p.m. local time near Karabonde, in the Borgu Local Government Area. According to eyewitness accounts and local media, the aircraft involved was an Alpha Jet, a light attack and training plane commonly used by the Nigerian Air Force. It is believed to have taken off from the Kainji Air Force Base, a major operational hub located in the same state.

Local resident Lukman Sulaiman confirmed the details to reporters. "The incident happened around 4.10pm. It landed very close to town but, by God's grace, the pilots ejected safely," he said.

Initial reports from the scene, including videos shared by local media outlet Lapai TV and obtained by Punch Newspapers, show the wreckage of the jet engulfed in flames in a wooded area. The videos and eyewitnesses corroborate that the two pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft prior to impact.

As of Saturday evening, the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement regarding the crash or the condition of the personnel involved. Military authorities are typically expected to launch a formal investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

*Source: Based on reports from Punch Newspapers and Lapai TV.*

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