By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commended the courage and exceptional professionalism of two Alpha Jet pilots who safely ejected after encountering an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection test flight.

The Director, Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, said the inspection test was conducted at NAF Base, Kainji, on Saturday.

Ejodame said the aircraft had taken off for a routine functional check when it developed a sudden emergency.

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

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

He said that both pilots were immediately recovered and were undergoing routine medical checks.

According to him, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, lauded the pilots for their sound judgement, noting that their professionalism averted what could have been a major tragedy.

He said the CAS had ordered the convening of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident.

Ejodame 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)