The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft involved in the crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday was one of its aircraft, as search and rescue teams continued efforts to assist those on board.
The NAF said the ATR-42 aircraft was carrying out a routine flight from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred on October 5, 2026.
The confirmation followed an earlier announcement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, that a military aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, said the service had immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.
“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 statement read.
Ejodame said the aircraft was heading from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and assist the occupants.
“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.”
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The Air Force did not state how many people were injured or killed, nor did it disclose the condition of the occupants.
However, Keyamo had earlier disclosed that preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft, putting the total number of occupants at 32.
According to a statement released by the ministry, air traffic controllers lost communication with the aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, at approximately 9:13am.
“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.
The minister later confirmed that the aircraft had gone down near the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that the wreckage had been found.
“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.
Keyamo explained that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority lacked regulatory jurisdiction over military aircraft.
He added that he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and assured the Nigerian Air Force of the ministry’s support and cooperation throughout the rescue operation.