- Nigerian Air Force jet reportedly crashed near Karabonde, Niger State.
- Two pilots ejected safely before the aircraft exploded.
- Locals confirmed a loud impact and heavy fire at the crash site.
- Military yet to release an official statement as residents await updates.
Residents of Karabonde were thrown into panic late Saturday when a Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet reportedly dropped from the sky and burst into flames. The aircraft is believed to have taken off from the Kainji Air Force Base, although the military has not yet officially confirmed the incident.
Videos obtained online showed thick fire licking through the wreckage while villagers watched from a distance. A Niger-based media platform, Lapai TV, first broke the news, reporting that both officers survived and landed safely.
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An eyewitness who spoke via voice note said: “We heard a very loud crash. The jet came down fast, but luckily, the pilots had ejected before it hit the ground. People ran at first, then later returned when we realized both men were safe.”
Another resident, Lukman Sulaiman, confirmed the crash during a phone conversation, stating the pilots escaped without visible injury despite how close the jet came to the community.
“God was really good to us. The plane landed close to town but the pilots ejected safely,” he added.
As of the time this report was filed, the Nigerian military is yet to issue an official statement regarding the crash, though security operatives are said to be moving toward the area for recovery and assessment.
