A Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, prompting the military to activate an immediate search and rescue operation.
The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin to Lagos on Monday when contact was lost at about 9:13 a.m.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said air traffic controllers made repeated attempts to establish radio communication with the aircraft but were unsuccessful.
He later confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, adding that the wreckage had been located.
Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 32.
There was no immediate official confirmation of casualties or survivors.
The Nigerian Air Force, in a separate statement, confirmed the accident and said it had activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation.
Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on October 5, 2026.
According to him, search and rescue operations were being conducted in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts,” the statement said, adding that further details would be communicated as they become available.
Keyamo also said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s full cooperation and assistance in the rescue operation.
He clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the aviation ministry and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
Authorities were yet to release further details on the condition of those on board as search and rescue operations continued.
