As search and rescue efforts proceeded, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft that crashed on Monday in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State belonged to the service.
According to the Air Force, the accident happened on October 5, 2026, while the ATR-42 aircraft was traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission.
The confirmation followed the announcement by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, that a military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
Ehimen Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, said in a statement on Monday that a search and rescue effort had been launched immediately.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026.”
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.”
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”
However, Keyamo had earlier said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of people aboard the aircraft to 32.
In a statement issued by the ministry on Monday, the minister said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13 am.
“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, en route enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said.
He later confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, adding that the wreckage had been located and search and rescue operations were ongoing.
“Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.
This is a deeply sad incident. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and pray that such a tragedy never happens again.
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Rose Ajieh
