A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet has reportedly crashed near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday evening, was initially reported by Lapai TV, an online digital television network based in Niger State, via a post on its official Facebook page. The report indicated that two Nigerian Air Force pilots successfully survived the crash. Eyewitnesses further confirmed that the pilots safely ejected from the aircraft around 4:10 PM before it went down and caught fire, landing close to town.

The Nigerian Air Force later released an official statement through Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, confirming an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight on 6 December 2025, at Nigerian Air Force Base Kainji. The NAF commended the exceptional bravery and professionalism of its pilots, who skillfully maneuvered the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection, thereby preventing any loss of life. The crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, lauded the pilots for their courage, discipline, and sound judgment in handling the emergency. He has since directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the incident. The Nigerian Air Force also reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards and operational excellence, affirming its dedication to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate.

This incident is not an isolated event for the Nigerian Air Force, which has a history of aircraft crashes. Previous occurrences include a NAF trainer aircraft crash in Makurdi, Benue State, in 2023, which saw two pilots injured but no fatalities. In 2021, a fighter jet deployed against Boko Haram insurgents lost radar contact and crashed in Borno State. Another air force aircraft crashed in Kaduna in 2017, resulting in the death of a pilot instructor. The most severe recent incident occurred in 2015 when a NAF Dornier-228 aircraft (call sign NAF030) crashed into Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna State, tragically killing all seven passengers on board.