2 Nigerian Air Force Pilots Die In Plane Crash

Two Nigerian Air Force pilots died yesterday in Niamey, Niger Republic as the Alpha combat jet they were flying crashed at Dargol village, about 60 kilometres west of Niamey.

The jet, which crashed at 1.05 pm, was not on combat mission, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, said in a statement.

According to the Defence spokesman, the aircraft was one of the fighter jets deployed on the ongoing military operations in the crisis-ridden Mali.

The statement said: “A Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet aircraft on a non-combatant mission crashed today at Dargol Village at about 1305hours (1.05pm), 60Km West of Niamey.

“The two pilots on board the fighter jet also died. The Alpha Jet aircraft is one of the four based in Niamey, Niger Republic as part of Africa-led Support Mission in Mali.

“Investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident. Further details on the crash will be made known as soon as the families of the deceased pilots are informed”.

Chaibou Massalatchi, the head of Niamey’s airport, said the plane took off to do a reconnaissance mission.

The Nigerian military is taking part in the regional effort to support France’s operation in northern Mali.

France launched the military operation in January to oust al-Qaida-linked jihadists from power in northern Mali.

Some 6,000 troops from neighboring countries including Nigeria and Niger have been taking part, though Chad has said it’s withdrawing its nearly 2,000 soldiers.