A Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet has been declared missing in action during a flight operation against Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State in Nigeria’s North-East.
The fighter jet went missing on Wednesday around 5pm, fuelling anxiety it might have been shot down by terrorists.
Confirming the mishap in a statement on the same day, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) noted that details of the jet’s whereabouts still remained opaque.
Air Force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said, “A NAF 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 whereabouts 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.”
