By Quazeem Halimot Bukola
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced search, rescue and recovery operations following the crash of an ATR-42 military aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, was conducting a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026. The wreckage was later located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
According to preliminary information released by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, 32 people — 25 passengers and seven crew members — were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that it had activated an immediate search-and-rescue operation in cooperation with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
Residents who reached the crash area described difficult swampy terrain around the site. Reports from the community indicated that aircraft debris and personal belongings were scattered around the area, while parts of the wreckage were found in water.
The difficult terrain reportedly slowed access to the crash location, with naval personnel assisting residents and responders in reaching the site.
The crash occurred near a river and swampy area, according to local accounts, making recovery efforts particularly challenging.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families of those involved and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The President also commended the military and first responders for their efforts at the crash site.
The National Safety Investigation Bureau has also indicated its readiness to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian Air Force, including support relating to recovery and analysis of the aircraft’s flight recorder if formally requested.
While early reports from the crash site raised fears that there were no survivors, authorities initially urged caution until recovery operations were completed. Subsequent reports have stated that all 32 people aboard were killed, although recovery and identification procedures remained part of the authorities’ response.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. The Nigerian Air Force is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine what led to the aircraft going down while on its routine flight to Lagos.
The incident has drawn nationwide mourning, with President Tinubu declaring a three-day period of national mourning for the military personnel who died in the crash and ordering the national flag to be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
