Ondo Crash: NAF Intensifies Search for Missing

The Nigerian Air Force says it has intensified search and recovery operations after its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026, and has convened a specialist board to investigate the accident.

NAF, in a statement on Tuesday signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, extended condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected.

Investigation team named

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation.

Scope of investigation

According to the NAF, the board will systematically examine, document and preserve evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the accident.

The investigation will also assess the emergency response, including search and rescue, medical response, recovery operations and accident-site management, NAF added.

The board is expected to make “practical, evidence-based recommendations to address any identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences.”

Support for families

NAF said it had established a direct help line at its headquarters within the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs to give recorded next of kin a channel for enquiries.

It noted that the administrative processes have also been activated, including meetings with affected families and other support arrangements, to provide timely assistance and practical support during this period of profound grief and emotional distress.

The NAF said conclusions on the cause of the accident would be “premature until the investigation is completed.”

“The Nigerian Air Force assures the public that the search, recovery and investigative efforts remain a priority.”

One of Nigeria’s deadliest military air disasters

The crash of NAF 931 on October 5, 2026, killed all 25 people on board, five crew members and 20 passengers, making it one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in Nigeria in recent years.

The aircraft, an ATR 42-500MP configured for maritime patrol and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, was flying from Benin City to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 am.

The wreckage was later located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, a riverine community in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo initially said the aircraft was carrying 32 people, 25 passengers and seven crew members, but the NAF later clarified that 25 were on board, explaining that the seven crew reported were included in the 25 souls.

President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.

He directed the NAF to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

The NAF said the aircraft was on a routine mission, though sources later told the media that the flight had departed Abuja for Lagos with a stop in Benin to drop off passengers and had been grounded overnight after developing an engine fault.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.