Developing: NAF’s combat Aircraft on routine mission in Northeast disappears from radar

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft on routine mission in North-east has lost radar contact.

In a terse release, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the incident.

According to the release: “A NAF aircraft on routine mission in support of own troops at one of the Theatres of Operation in the Northern part of Nigeria has lost radar contact.”

The DOPRI, however, noted that efforts were on to locate its whereabouts, adding that more “details to follow.”

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Here is the statement:

“NIGERIAN AIR FORCE ALPHA-JET LOOSES RADAR CONTACT

“A Nigeria Air Force (pNAF) Alpha-Jet has lost contact with radar in Borno State, while on interdiction mission in support of ground troops.

“The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East. The loss of radar contact occurred at about 5:08 pm on 31 March 2021.

“Details of the whereabout of the aircraft or likely cause of contact loss are still sketchy but will be relayed to the general public as soon as they become clear.

“Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts are ongoing.”

EDWARD GABKWET
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
1 April 2021

It should be noted that the Nigerian Air Force is engaged in various operations in the conflict zones to give ground troops support.

On 21 February, an Air Force plane on a mission to Minna Niger state crashed in Abuja.

All the six persons aboard the B350 aircraft died as it crash-landed on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22.