NAF jet goes missing while on counterinsurgency operations in Borno

A Nigerian Air Force fighter jet on a counterinsurgency mission in Borno State, the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, has gone missing.

According to NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the
alpha jet lost contact with the radar in Borno State Wednesday.

He said the plane disappeared 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.”

Mr Gabkwet added,

“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.”

This development ia coming weeks after another Air Force aircraft, a Beechcraft KingAir B350i, crashed after reporting engine failure on its way to Minna, Niger State.