The Nigerian Air Force says it has lost radar contact with one of its aircraft while on a routine mission in the country’s north-east.

The loss of radar contact occurred at about 5:08 pm on 31 March 2021.

According to the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the plane had been supporting troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state on Wednesday.

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

The fleet has also had numerous accidents in recent years. Seven air force officers were killed in a crash in February after reporting engine failure during a support mission.

In 2017 a military plane mistakenly bombed a camp for people displaced by Boko Haram violence in Borno state killing more than one hundred civilians.

By Sandrine M.