Nigerian Air Force CH-4 drone crashes near Kontagora 

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicle has reportedly crashed near Kontagora in Niger State, raising concerns over aerial surveillance operations in the region.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 2, 2026, involved a CH-4 drone identified as NAF-114. The Chinese-made drone is primarily deployed by the Air Force for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions across different parts of the country, particularly in areas affected by insecurity.

As of the time of reporting, authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crash, whether there were any casualties, or the extent of damage caused on the ground. Military sources say investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a brief response, the Nigerian Air Force assured the public that established safety and operational protocols are in place for all drone deployments and that further details will be communicated as soon as investigations are concluded.

The crash underscores the technical and operational challenges associated with unmanned aerial vehicle operations, as well as the need for continuous maintenance, monitoring, and safety checks, especially in active operational environments.

Kontagora and surrounding areas have been part of broader security operations in Niger State, where aerial surveillance plays a critical role in supporting ground troops and monitoring movement across difficult terrain.