The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has praised the courage and professionalism of the two Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet pilots who survived a crash in Niger State after safely ejecting from their aircraft.
Aneke visited the pilots at a hospital in Abuja on Saturday night. He commended their quick thinking and discipline, saying their actions helped prevent casualties on the ground. He also ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate what caused the incident.
He appreciated the fire and rescue teams, medical staff, and other personnel who responded quickly, secured the crash site, and assisted with recovery efforts.
According to the Air Force, the emergency happened shortly after take-off during a test flight at NAF Base Kainji.
Despite the situation, the pilots kept calm, steered the aircraft away from populated areas, and executed a safe ejection.
Both officers were rescued immediately by Search and Rescue teams and are now undergoing routine medical checks. The Air Force added that their conduct shows true professionalism and dedication to duty.
