The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has commended the courage and professionalism of two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected after an in-flight emergency in Niger State.

Aneke visited the pilots at a hospital in Abuja on Saturday night, lauding their “sound judgment and exemplary discipline.” He noted that their swift and composed actions prevented potential casualties on the ground.

The emergency occurred shortly after take-off during a post-inspection functional check flight at NAF Base Kainji, the Air Force reported. According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the aircraft developed a critical fault, prompting the pilots to expertly maneuver it away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection.

Both pilots were promptly recovered by Search and Rescue teams and are currently undergoing routine medical evaluations.

Air Marshal Aneke also announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident. He praised the coordinated efforts of fire and crash units, medical teams, and base personnel who secured the site and supported recovery operations.

“The Nigerian Air Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence,” Aneke said. “The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate.”

Local media outlets, including Lapai TV, first reported the incident, sharing video footage showing smoke rising from the crash site near Karabonde in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, prompting concern among residents.

The NAF’s swift response and the pilots’ exemplary conduct have been widely praised as a demonstration of skill, discipline, and professionalism under pressure.