UPDATED: Two Nigeria Air Force Jets Crash In Abuja [PHOTOS]

Two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets said to be rehearsing ahead of Nigeria’s 58th Independence Day celebrations  have collided in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday.

The jets reportedly crashed around the Katampe area of Abuja this afternoon.

The incident was confirmed in a terse statement by spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola.

“I wish confirm an air incident involving 2 Nigerian Air Force aircraft taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations. Details will be communicated later,” said Daramola.

It was gathered that the jets involved in the crash were among several others being flown by NAF since Monday as part of its military drill of facilities ahead of the October 1 Independence Day celebrations.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that balls of smoke were sighted around the hilly region behind A.A Rano filling station along Kubwa express road.

– UPDATE –

In a followup statement on Friday, Mr Daramola announced that a pilot in one of the aircraft that crashed had died.

“It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce that one of the pilots who successfully ejected from one of the F-7Ni aircraft that crashed earlier today has passed on. May his soul RIP,” said the NAF spokesperson.

SEE PHOTOS FROM CRASH SCENE