The Nigerian Air Force has shared photos of two pilots who narrowly escaped death after ejecting from their aircraft during an in-flight emergency in Niger State.

The Force, in a post on its X handle on Sunday, commended the officers for their “exceptional bravery and professionalism.”

The incident occurred on Saturday during a routine post-maintenance test flight from Kainji Air Base, when an Alpha Jet aircraft developed a fault.

The pilots safely ejected before the jet crashed near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, had, in an earlier statement on Saturday, also commended the pilots for manoeuvring the jet away from populated areas before ejecting.

He confirmed that both officers were already undergoing routine medical evaluation.

He added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had ordered the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident.

“The Nigerian Air Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence.

“The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate,” the statement added.

The NAF’s Alpha Jets are primarily used for training and air-to-ground missions and have been deployed extensively in internal security operations across the country.