The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) suffered a loss of link on Friday during a routine operational mission under Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3. The incident occurred on January 2, 2026, according to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. In a statement issued on Friday, Ejodame said efforts to re-establish communication with the UAV were unsuccessful, prompting the crew to activate emergency return-to-base procedures in line with standard operational protocols.
He noted that coordinated response and recovery measures were immediately initiated in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant authorities.
“The platform has since been contained, and technical teams have secured it and commenced preliminary assessments,” Ejodame said.
He further assured that the incident did not result in any casualties and that NAF operations across all theatres remain unaffected.
The statement read in part: “In line with the NAF’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.