Nigerian jet fighter used in bombing raids against Islamic extremists missing for 2 days
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The Nigerian Ministry of Defense says an Air Force Alpha jet on a mission against Islamic extremist insurgents in the country's northeast has gone missing with its two crew members.
A statement Sunday from spokesman Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade says the German-manufactured jet has been missing since Friday morning when it left its base at Yola, capital of Adamawa state, on a routine mission that was supposed to last 75 minutes.
He said rescue operations are continuing with attempts to contact the two pilots.
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The jets have been used in daily bombing raids to dislodge Boko Haram insurgents who have seized a string of towns along Nigeria's border with Cameroon.
Boko Haram has stolen anti-aircraft weapons as well as armored personnel carriers and other weapons in attacks on Nigerian barracks.