Twenty-three Assam forest officials and three villagers went missing during a patrol near the Assam-Nagaland border on July 23, 2026.After losing mobile connectivity and getting disoriented in the dense, rugged terrain, the team was traced safe on July 26 following a coordinated search involving drones, police, and district administration.

Forest minister Jayanta Mallabaruah confirmed the safe return, highlighting the challenges of patrolling in areas with poor road access and patchy connectivity.

Divisional forest officer Tuhin Langthasa explained the team likely lost their way after communication was cut off, inadvertently crossing into Nagaland before regaining contact.The incident underscores the risks faced by forest personnel in remote regions and the need for advanced search measures.

The DFO emphasized that these areas become even more challenging during the monsoon season, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and technology to enhance safety and operational efficiency.