Air Force’s Drone On Routine Mission Crashes, Wreckage Recovered

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said a wreckage of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which crashed during a routine mission, has been recovered.

A statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the UAV was deployed on a routine mission on Friday, January 2, 2026, within the Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3 area in the North-West zone, during which it experienced a loss of link.

He said, “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.”

He added that 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,” he added.

The Nigerian Air Force, therefore, reassured the public of its continued professionalism and operational focus, as counter-insurgency operations proceed unabated in the interest of national security.