The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully coordinated the containment and recovery of one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) following a loss of communication link during a routine operational mission.
The incident occurred on Friday, 2 January 2026, within the Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3 area, where the UAV was deployed in support of ongoing counter-insurgency operations. According to the NAF, the platform experienced a loss of link during the mission, and all attempts to restore communication were unsuccessful.
In line with established operational procedures, emergency return-to-base actions were immediately initiated, while the NAF activated coordinated response and recovery measures in collaboration with sister Services and relevant authorities.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed in a press statement that the UAV has since been successfully contained, with recovery and assessment activities progressing as planned. He noted that relevant technical teams have secured the platform and commenced preliminary evaluations in line with approved safety and operational protocols.
“There has been no loss of life, and operational activities across all theatres continue uninterrupted,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Air Force reassured the public of its professionalism and sustained operational focus, emphasizing that counter-insurgency operations remain ongoing and unaffected, in continued pursuit of national security objectives.
