By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experienced a loss of link during a routine operational mission on Thursday, 2 January 2026, within the Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3 area, but assured that the situation was swiftly contained with no casualties and no impact on ongoing operations.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the UAV was deployed as part of sustained counter-insurgency efforts when the loss of link occurred. All attempts to restore communication with the platform were unsuccessful, prompting the crew to activate established emergency return-to-base procedures in line with standard operational protocols.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Air Force immediately initiated coordinated response and recovery measures, working in close collaboration with sister Services and relevant authorities to secure the platform and ensure safety within the operational area. The UAV has since been successfully contained, while assessment and recovery activities are progressing as planned.
Relevant technical teams have secured the platform and commenced preliminary evaluations in accordance with established safety and operational procedures. The Air Force emphasized that there was no loss of life or injury as a result of the incident.
The NAF further reassured the public that operational activities across all theatres remain uninterrupted, stressing that counter-insurgency operations are continuing unabated in the interest of national security. It reaffirmed its professionalism, operational focus and commitment to maintaining air power effectiveness in support of joint operations nationwide.
