A Nigerian Air Force jet has reportedly crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident was first reported by Lapai TV, a Niger State–based online digital television network, which posted on its official Facebook page on Saturday evening:
“Two Nigerian Air Force Pilots reportedly survive Alpha Jet Crash close to Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.”
The update was accompanied by a 57-second video from the scene.
An eyewitness earlier corroborated the incident in a WhatsApp voice note and a video sent to PUNCH Online, confirming that the two pilots safely ejected before the aircraft went down.
“I think the aircraft took off from the Kainji Air Force Base. We learnt that the air force is mobilising to the crash site,” the eyewitness said.
Speaking to journalist, a villager, Lukman Sulaiman, confirmed the crash.
“The incident happened around 4:10 pm. It landed very close to town but God so good, the pilots ejected safely,” he said.
When asked about their condition, he added, “Yes, we heard a noisy landing crash. We were scared. But we eventually started trooping back to the scene.”
As of the time of filing this report, the military has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
More details shortly…