The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that the military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday was one of its aircraft, as search and rescue operations continue at the crash site.
The aircraft, an ATR-42, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when it went down in the Igbokoda area.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said an immediate search and rescue operation had been activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ejodame said the aircraft was carrying out a routine mission when the accident occurred.
«“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,” he said.»
He added that the aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred, stressing that efforts were ongoing to locate and assist those on board.
«“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.”»
The Air Force did not immediately disclose the number of casualties or the condition of the occupants.
However, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier disclosed that preliminary information indicated that 32 people — 25 passengers and seven crew members — were aboard the aircraft.
Keyamo had earlier raised the alarm after air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13am on Monday.
In a statement, the minister said efforts to re-establish communication with the aircraft initially proved unsuccessful.
«“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 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 and that its wreckage had been located.
«“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 also clarified that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) do not have regulatory authority over military aircraft.
He said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and assured the Nigerian Air Force of the ministry’s cooperation and assistance in the ongoing rescue operation.
As of Monday, authorities had yet to release an official update on casualties or confirm the condition of all those aboard the aircraft.