NAF Activates Emergency Protocols After UAV Loses Link During Counter-Insurgency Mission

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the successful containment and recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that lost communication during an operational mission conducted under Operation FASAN YAMMA.

The incident occurred on Friday within Sector 3 of the operation’s area of responsibility while the UAV was carrying out a routine, scheduled task in support of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that contact was lost with the platform during the mission, and multiple efforts to restore the link proved unsuccessful.

Following this development, Ejodame said the Air Force promptly initiated established emergency procedures, including return-to-base actions, while also coordinating response efforts with sister Services and other relevant authorities.

He confirmed that the UAV was successfully contained, noting that recovery and assessment activities were already underway in line with standard operational plans.

According to him, technical personnel have secured the platform and commenced preliminary evaluations in accordance with safety and operational protocols.

Ejodame added, “There was no loss of life, and operations across all theatres continue uninterrupted.

“The Service reassured the public of its professionalism and sustained operational focus, stressing that counter-insurgency operations remain ongoing and unaffected in the interest of national security.”

The Air Force maintained that the incident has not impacted its broader mission objectives, reaffirming its commitment to supporting national security efforts across all operational theatres.