Nigerian Fighter Jet Crashes Under Enemy Fire in Zamfara, Pilot Escapes

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State, crashed under intense enemy fire on Sunday in Zamfara.

According to the Air Force, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft.

Using his survival instincts, the pilot – who came under intense ground fire from the bandits – was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset.

Using the cover of darkness and his phone for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandit strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued.

According to a statement signed by Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Air Force’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot.

“It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits who were after him, thus enabling him to find refuge and escape to a safe location.

“It is important to also recall that only recently, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States,” the statement continued.

“It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last two weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these three states.

“Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralised and several of their hideouts destroyed.”

Despite the setback of Sunday’s crash, the Air Force remains committed towards fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it, it said.