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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has ordered tighter flight safety checks across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following the fatal crash of its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, on October 5, 2026.
Aneke issued the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, principal staff officers and other senior commanders.
He called for strict compliance with operational procedures, stronger professional discipline and continuous improvements in safety management.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the directive reinforced the service’s commitment to personnel safety, professional standards and accountability following the crash.
The air chief expressed grief over the loss of personnel and acknowledged the pain experienced by the bereaved families and members of the wider NAF community.
He emphasised that operational effectiveness depended on sound judgment, professional discipline and strict adherence to flight safety standards.
Aneke subsequently directed commanders to strengthen oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.
He also called for closer safety monitoring, timely reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of preventive measures, describing flight safety as a responsibility shared across the command structure.
The CAS noted that the Air Force had committed resources to personnel training, aircraft spare parts and maintenance to support airworthiness and operational readiness.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the crash site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, are continuing with specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies.
The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said the operation had involved extensive excavation of mud and water pumping to reach areas of interest.
According to the NAF statement, satellite-based search and rescue imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, alongside divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, had supported the exercise.
Additional aircraft components have also been recovered, documented and preserved for investigation.
The investigation board constituted to examine the crash has begun work, focusing on available evidence, technical information and relevant records to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Aneke has directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, submit necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Air Force urged the public to refrain from speculation, stating that the cause of the crash would be determined through the formal investigative process.
The service also pledged continued support for affected families and said it would implement appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation.
It added that protecting personnel and safeguarding future air operations remained its overriding priorities.
