President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
In a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and condoled with the families of those on board, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the statement reads.
The President said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Air Force to investigate its cause.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” President Tinubu said.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident. I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.”
25 passengers, seven crew aboard
The number of people aboard the aircraft was disclosed by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, after air traffic controllers alerted authorities that the aircraft could not be reached.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said in a statement posted on X.
“Subsequently, information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing. Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
“Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing.”
Keyamo said further information would be released as it became available.
The NAF had earlier confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the service and said it was conducting a routine mission when the accident occurred.
Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, said the aircraft was an ATR-42 and was travelling from Benin to Lagos.
“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 reads.
“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 aircraft is used by the NAF for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as air maritime operations.
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