A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha-Jet has gone missing while on an operation in the north-eastern region of the country, authorities have said.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the aircraft lost contact with radar while on an interdiction mission in support of ground troops fighting insurgency in Borno State.

Gabkwet, who noted that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening, explained that the mission was part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.

According to him, authorities have commenced search and rescue efforts as details of the whereabouts of the aircraft have yet to be ascertained.

NAF statement reads in full:

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE ALPHA-JET LOSES RADAR CONTACT

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha-Jet has lost contact with radar in Borno State, while on an interdiction mission in support of ground troops. The mission was part of the ongoing counter insurgency 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.

EDWARD GABKWET

Air Commodore

Director of Public Relations and Information

Nigerian Air Force

1 April 2021