Nigerian Air Force jet crashes in Niger Republic, 2 Pilots Killed, Boko Haram Suspected

A Nigerian warplane crashed in Niger today Monday May 6th, from where it was conducting military operations in neighbouring Mali, and the two pilots were killed, Nigeria's army said in a statement.

The fighter jet was part of Nigeria's air fleet engaged with an African force battling hardline Islamists in Mali. An army source in Niamey said it had suffered a "mechanical" problem.

"A Nigerian Air Force Alpha jet aircraft on a non-combattant mission crashed today at Dargol village.

The two pilots on board the fighter jet died," the Nigerian defence headquarters said in a statement.

The jet is one of four Nigerian aircraft based in Niamey as part of of the Africa-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA), it said, adding that the crash was being investigated.

Source: Global Post

Flg Offr Ayuba Joab Layelmenson

Flt Lt BB Ado

Both Pilots before a mission