Follow Us on Google
Following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 5, 2026 with tail number NGR 931, en route Lagos from Benin, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the Ministry will assist in rescue operations.
In a post made on his X handle, he confirmed the crash, he said the Air Traffic Controllers informed him of the disappearance of a military aircraft and that all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.
He said information confirms that the military aircraft crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State and the wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
He said: “Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board. Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing.
”Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently.”
In the same vein, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it received reports of an accident involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft. The NSIB said the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, and that search and rescue operations have been activated and are ongoing, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
In a statement, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr.said: “The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them, and with the Search and Rescue teams working at the site.The NSIB stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required.
”That support can include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.As this occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force.
”The NSIB commends the swift activation of Search and Rescue and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda. The public is urged to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and on any investigation.Further comment from the Bureau will be issued only as appropriate, and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force.”
