Authorities at the Defence headquarters on Monday evening confirmed the death of two pilots aboard a Nigerian Air Force Alpha jet aircraft that crashed at a village near the capital of Niger Republic, Niamey.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, the aircraft was on a non-combat mission when it crashed.
Olukolade said authorities have already directed full investigation into the crash.
A terse statement issued by the DDI reads: “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.”
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