The Nigerian Air Force has commended two Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected after encountering an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection test flight.

The air force, in a statement, said the inspection was conducted at NAF Base Kainji on Saturday.

It said the aircraft had taken off for a routine functional check when it suddenly experienced an emergency.

It said the pilots remained calm, expertly manoeuvred the jet away from populated areas, and then executed a safe ejection in line with global aviation safety procedures.

The air force said the crew’s swift action demonstrated high discipline, competence, and dedication to duty.

NAF said that both pilots had been immediately recovered and were undergoing routine medical checks.

According to the statement, the chief of the air staff, Sunday Aneke, lauded the pilots for their sound judgment, noting that their professionalism averted what could have been a major tragedy.

The air force said Mr Aneke had ordered a board of inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident.

It said the NAF remained committed to maintaining strict safety standards and protecting the lives of its personnel and citizens in line with its constitutional mandate.

(NAN)