Trending 
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has retrieved the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, confirming that technical teams from the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had established that the recorder was intact.
He added that a section of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), also known as the black box, had been recovered, while search teams continued efforts to locate the remaining part.
Other items retrieved from the crash site include additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains.
Ejodame said recovery operations were continuing in the difficult swamp environment, with teams working to retrieve the outstanding aircraft components for technical examination.
He added that investigators were conducting a thorough, evidence-based inquiry to establish the circumstances of the accident.
He said the recovery exercise also involved procedures to ensure the proper handling and identification of human remains, which were being managed by the Directorate of Identification and Classification.
“Operations are ongoing in challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate necessary technical examinations.
“Investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings,” he said.
According to him, the NAF had maintained contact with the victims’ families to provide information and support. The Air Force was also engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.
Ejodame urged the public to remain patient as the recovery and investigation processes required time, coordination and professional attention.
He said the findings would help establish the cause of the crash, identify lessons for improving flight safety and strengthen operations to protect military personnel and civilians.
“While appreciating the public’s concern and interest, NAF appeals for continued patience and understanding as these critical processes require time, careful coordination and professional attention.
“Ultimate objective is not only to establish circumstances surrounding the crash, but also to draw necessary lessons to strengthen flight safety, enhance ongoing airpower operations and further safeguard the lives of personnel and citizens,” he said.
On October 5, 2026, a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State while carrying out a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
All 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.
Air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 am.
President Bola Tinubu later declared three days of national mourning as recovery operations continued in the difficult terrain.
