The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has paid a visit to the two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet pilots who narrowly escaped tragedy after ejecting from their aircraft following a sudden technical fault near the Kainji Air Base.
During the visit, Aneke met with the aircrew to assess their recovery and commend them for the professionalism and calm judgment they demonstrated in the face of danger. According to him, their ability to make swift, calculated decisions was instrumental in ensuring their survival despite the aircraft failure.
The ill-fated Alpha Jet had departed from NAF Base Kainji but went down a few kilometres from Karabonde town in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday. The Air Force, in a statement released via Facebook on Sunday, explained that the aircraft developed a technical issue shortly after take-off.
Before ejecting, the pilots reportedly guided the malfunctioning jet away from homes and populated zones, preventing what could have been a catastrophic loss of lives. Both officers were later evacuated from the crash scene and are currently undergoing routine medical evaluation, with officials confirming that they remain stable.
Air Marshal Aneke praised their courage, noting that their disciplined response under pressure prevented a potentially far worse situation. He emphasized that their actions not only preserved their own lives but also showed deep regard for the safety of civilians living near the flight path.
He said, “The level of professionalism and composure demonstrated in those critical moments is truly worthy of recognition. Their actions undoubtedly averted a more serious incident.”
To determine the exact cause of the technical fault, Aneke ordered the immediate creation of a Board of Inquiry. The investigation is expected to thoroughly examine the incident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
He explained that the inquiry would help the Air Force strengthen operational safety, adding that such reviews are essential to maintaining high standards in military aviation.
The NAF confirmed that search and rescue teams, crash response units, firefighters, and medical personnel were deployed rapidly to secure the wreckage and ensure the pilots’ safety. Officials noted that the jet crash serves as a reminder of the dangers military aviators face and the high level of skill required to maintain constant operational readiness.
In its closing remarks, the Air Force assured Nigerians that it remains committed to strict safety procedures and to protecting lives and property as part of its constitutional responsibilities.
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