He also announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has lauded the courage and professionalism of two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected following an in-flight emergency in Niger State.
Aneke visited the pilots at a hospital in Abuja on Saturday night, praising their “sound judgement and exemplary discipline,” and noting that their swift actions prevented potential casualties on the ground, according to Daily Trust.
He also announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.
The CAS commended the coordinated efforts of fire and crash units, medical teams, and other base personnel who secured the site and supported recovery operations.
The NAF reported that the emergency occurred shortly after take-off during a post-inspection functional check flight at NAF Base Kainji.
Despite the critical situation, the pilots maintained composure, maneuvered the aircraft away from populated areas, and executed a safe ejection.
Both pilots were promptly recovered by Search and Rescue teams and are currently undergoing routine medical evaluations.
On Saturday, the NAF reacted to the jet crash incident in Niger State, commending the bravery and professionalism of its pilots, who safely ejected during an in-flight emergency at the NAF Base in Kainji.
In a statement on Saturday evening, NAF confirmed that the incident occurred during a post-inspection functional check flight.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, explained that shortly after take-off, the aircraft developed a critical fault, prompting the pilots to respond with swift action and remarkable composure.
“They expertly manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection," Ejodame said.
“The crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation."
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, commended the pilots for their courage, discipline, and sound judgment, which he said prevented any loss of life.
He also ordered the immediate formation 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,” it said.
“The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that two NAF pilots had reportedly survived after an Alpha Jet aircraft crashed close to Karabonde, a community in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident was first made public by Lapai TV, a Niger State–based digital television network, which posted a short update alongside a video on its official Facebook page on Saturday evening.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, a smoke rising from the direction of the reported crash site, sparking concerns among locals who said they were unsure of what prompted the aircraft’s distress.