NAF’s unmanned aerial plane crashes in Niger
A Nigerian Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has crashed in Zangata Forest, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State. Weekend Trust learnt the crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2. Sources said security operatives from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force have been deployed to the scene to secure the […]
A Nigerian Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has crashed in Zangata Forest, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
Weekend Trust learnt the crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2.
Sources said security operatives from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force have been deployed to the scene to secure the area and commence preliminary investigations.
A resident of Kontagora, Zakari Adamu Kontagora, who confirmed the incident, said soldiers and police officers were already on ground but could not ascertain the extent of damage to the aircraft or whether there were casualties.
The incident occurred less than 48 hours after terrorists attacked Goro and Gebe communities in Agwara Local Government Area, killing two farmers and burning no fewer than 13 houses.
A resident told Weekend Trust that Goro and Gebe are border communities between Borgu and Agwara LGAs of the state, adding that the attackers were fleeing from Kwara State amid ongoing military operations against them
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the crash of one of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), saying it experienced a loss of link after it was deployed to sustain counter-terrorism efforts in Niger State.
It explained that the UAV crashed after all efforts to restore the link proved abortive while the NAF immediately activated coordinated response and recovery measures in collaboration with sister services and relevant authorities.
Responding to the incident via a statement, the spokesman of NAF, Ehimen Ejodame revealed that there has been no loss of life, and operational activities across all theatres continue uninterrupted.
Ejodame, an Air Commodore, noted that the platform had since been contained, with assessment and recovery activities progressing as planned in line with established procedures.
He said, “In line with the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining intense counter-insurgency efforts, one of its unmanned aerial vehicles was deployed on a routine mission today, 2 January 2026, within the Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3 area, during which it experienced a loss of link.
“All efforts to restore the link proved abortive; accordingly, in line with established procedures, the crew initiated emergency return-to-base actions, while the NAF immediately activated coordinated response and recovery measures in collaboration with sister Services and relevant authorities.
“The platform has since been contained, with assessment and recovery activities progressing as planned. Relevant technical teams have secured the platform and commenced preliminary evaluations in line with established safety and operational procedures.
“There has been no loss of life, and operational activities across all theatres continue uninterrupted.
“The NAF reassures the public of its continued professionalism and operational focus, as counter-insurgency operations proceed unabated in the interest of national security.”