A Nigerian military aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when it disappeared from radar before crashing near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. According to preliminary information, all 32 people on board are believed to have died in the crash. The incident has been confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that Air Traffic Controllers alerted him that the military aircraft had disappeared from radar at about 9:13am. Attempts to establish contact with the crew were unsuccessful, and all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. Keyamo confirmed that the wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the crash. According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF personnel are working with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies at the scene. The NAF identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 that was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, clarified that military aviation operations fall outside the regulatory control of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. He had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry's cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed sadness over the incident and said he had been in contact with the Nigerian Air Force leadership, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies at the scene. Preliminary information indicated that the aircraft crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The Governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise logistical and human resources to support the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response agencies. He also ordered that the crash site be cordoned off and secured to facilitate the rescue operation. The governor urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders.
The state government said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates based on information from the Nigerian Air Force. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force, and the families of those involved in the incident. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aviation operations in the country.
Key points
- 32 people on board the aircraft are believed to have died in the crash.
- The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a Search and Rescue operation following the crash.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aviation operations in the country.
