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The Nigerian Air Force has recorded another aircraft incident following the crash of an Alpha Jet near Karabonde, a community located in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident, which occurred in the late afternoon, resulted in the loss of the aircraft but both pilots survived after successfully ejecting from the jet before impact.
Early reports from local residents and digital media platforms in Niger State confirmed the crash, prompting immediate mobilisation by military personnel stationed at the nearby Kainji Air Force Base.
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Ejes Gist News Nigeria reports that residents witnessed thick smoke rising from the area shortly after the sound of a loud explosion echoed across the community.
An eyewitness in Karabonde said the crash occurred in an open area behind the town, several miles from residential homes, preventing what could have been a mass-casualty disaster. Locals described the situation as frightening, especially as many initially believed the explosion was caused by armed attackers until further assessment revealed the downed military aircraft.
Eyewitnesses Describe a Controlled Descent Before Impact
Residents who saw the jet moments before the crash described the aircraft as descending unusually low, trailing smoke and visible flames. A villager, Lukman Sulaiman, confirmed via telephone that the jet approached dangerously close to rooftops before the pilots manoeuvred it away from the populated part of the town.
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He stated that the crash occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. and that many villagers rushed into their homes when the sound of the engine grew louder and the jet descended at a steep angle. According to him, panic spread quickly as people feared a possible attack, considering the history of insecurity in parts of Niger State.
Sulaiman explained that the pilots demonstrated remarkable control in guiding the aircraft away from residential structures before ejecting. He added that the pilots descended by parachute and landed safely at a distance from the crash site. Locals attempted to reach them, but they were promptly evacuated by military personnel who had mobilised swiftly from the Kainji base.
He described the scene as intense, stating that the jet burned for nearly 30 minutes after impact. Firefighters deployed from the military facility worked to extinguish the flames while soldiers secured the area.
Digital Media Footage Confirms the Incident
Lapai TV, a Niger State-based online digital broadcast network, shared a short public update indicating that two Nigerian Air Force pilots survived the crash. The platform posted a 57-second video showing thick plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage.
The footage, which circulated across regional networks, corroborated voice-note reports from another eyewitness who shared details via WhatsApp. In his message, he claimed the jet took off from the Kainji air force base before experiencing distress mid-flight.
Ejes Gist News Nigeria gathered that the eyewitness suggested the aircraft suffered a technical malfunction shortly after take-off. Although the exact cause remains uncertain, he said the crash response teams acted rapidly, indicating that the Air Force was already monitoring the situation before the aircraft hit the ground.
Residents Initially Feared an Attack
Like many communities in Niger State that have experienced various forms of insecurity, Karabonde residents initially suspected that the loud explosion might have come from armed groups operating in the region. The sudden sound of impact, followed by a column of smoke, caused many to flee before realising the explosion came from a downed military aircraft.
Villagers who later approached the crash site said the intensity of the flames and the heat made it impossible to get near the wreckage. According to Sulaiman, some individuals spotted the pilots from a distance walking away from the site moments before they were recovered by military personnel. He described the crash scene as chaotic, with residents torn between fear and curiosity.
Two separate videos independently obtained by PUNCH Online also showed the aircraft engulfed in flames, with no visible signs of life near the immediate wreckage, further confirming the severity of the incident.
No Official Military Statement Yet
At the time of reporting, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued a formal statement confirming the cause of the crash, the condition of the pilots, or the extent of damage to the aircraft. Official communication is expected as investigations begin to determine whether the incident resulted from mechanical failure, environmental factors, or any operational challenge.
In similar aviation incidents, the Air Force typically initiates a Board of Inquiry to analyse flight data, crew reports, and technical details. Aviation safety protocols require that debris from a military crash site be secured for assessment, and Karabonde residents confirmed that soldiers cordoned off the area shortly after arriving.
Ejes Gist News Nigeria understands that any future official briefing is likely to include preliminary findings, especially given the strategic significance of Alpha Jets in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.
Alpha Jet Operations in Nigeria
The Nigerian Air Force has used Alpha Jets for years as part of its tactical operations across the country. The aircraft type, originally designed for light attack missions and advanced pilot training, has been deployed extensively in internal security operations, including missions in the North-East.
The Air Force maintains several Alpha Jets at the Kainji and Makurdi bases, with routine flight assignments that include patrols, training exercises, and operational deployments. Due to the jets’ age and workload over the years, aviation analysts have consistently emphasised the importance of maintenance, periodic upgrades, and replacement programmes to ensure operational safety.
Although it is too early to determine the specific technical issue that caused the Karabonde crash, previous incidents involving Nigerian military aircraft have prompted calls for comprehensive fleet assessments. This includes the need for enhanced monitoring systems that detect engine failures or structural issues before catastrophic breakdowns occur.
Community Response and Early Aftermath
Karabonde residents remain largely shaken by the incident. Many described the moment of impact as one of the loudest explosions ever heard in the area. The fire, which burned visibly for nearly half an hour, attracted a large crowd until security officials dispersed them for safety reasons.
Several villagers expressed relief that the aircraft did not crash directly into residential buildings, which could have resulted in significant casualties. Sulaiman’s account emphasised that the pilots’ decision to divert the aircraft away from the town saved lives.
Residents also recalled moments of confusion as rumours circulated that armed groups might have attacked the area. However, the arrival of military responders, along with confirmation from digital media platforms, quickly dispelled those fears.
For now, the mood in the community remains calm but cautious. Residents await official military communication and hope that investigators will provide clarity on what went wrong.
