A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) UAV on January 2, 2026 crashed in Zangata Forest, Kontagora Local Government Area, Niger State, at 5:00 p.m.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that the UAV, NAF-114, a CH-4 variant, lost contact with its control station during a regular operation as part of Operation FASAN YAMMA.
It was also found that the UAV crashed despite efforts to restore communication, but the debris was immediately secured and recovered through coordinated operations with the Nigerian Army and other security services.
According to accounts, there was no casualty, and counter-insurgency operations continued undisturbed.
The NAF has informed the public of its professionalism and operational focus, with technical teams conducting preliminary investigations to uncover the root cause of the issue.
A check by WITHIN NIGERIA discovered that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has experienced multiple plane crashes, with five of the worst and most awful occurring between 2018 and 2026.
2018-2026: Here are five of the worst NAF aviation crashes, including the most recent one;
September 28, 2018
Two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) F-7Ni fighter planes collided in midair during a rehearsal on the country’s 58th Independence Day in Abuja.
The event occurred at Katamkpe Hill, and both pilots ejected safely.
However, one of them, Squadron Leader Bello Baba-Ari, died as a result of complications from injuries incurred during the ejection.
The crash was most likely an accident, and an investigation has been begun to discover the exact cause.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, expressed regret over the incident and commiserated with the family of the deceased pilot.
May 21, 2021
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft King Air 350i crashed near Kaduna International Airport, killing all 11 people aboard, including Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff.
It was discovered that the plane was departing from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to attend a passing-out parade for army recruits in Kaduna.
The inquiry revealed that the tragedy was most likely caused by unfavorable weather, as the jet lost height and crashed during landing.
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) recovered the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, which helped in determining the cause of the crash.
July 18, 2021
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft on July 18, 2021, crashed in Zamfara State after coming under intense enemy fire during an air interdiction mission between Zamfara and Kaduna State.
It was gathered that the pilot, identified as Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected and was rescued after evading bandits and using his survival instincts to find refuge in nearby settlements.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, directed the NAF Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to locate the crash site, and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops deployed to secure the area.
This incident was part of a series of crashes suffered by the NAF in recent times, including a Beechcraft King Air B350 aircraft crash in February 2021 that killed seven personnel.
December 6, 2025
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet crashed near Karabonde village in Niger State, shortly after taking off from Kainji Airbase.
It was discovered that the pilots had an in-flight emergency and successfully steered the aircraft away from crowded areas before safely ejecting.
According to reports, both pilots have undergone standard medical checks and are now safe.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the pilots for their courage and professionalism.
He disclosed that their actions prevented loss of life, adding that a board of inquiry has been established to investigate the incident.
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