A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje local government area of Ondo state. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. All 32 persons on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, are feared dead.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the incident, stating that the president extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force. The president directed the NAF to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
The NAF activated an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. The crash site is located in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The Senate, through its committee on Army, described the incident as a national tragedy. Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua, signed a statement commiserating with the Nigeria Armed Forces and assuring them of its support in honouring fallen heroes and improving the safety and welfare of troops. The Senate prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for Almighty Allah to grant their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Ondo state Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa expressed deep sadness over the incident and directed state agencies to provide full support for the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The governor sympathized with the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of those on board the aircraft. Aiyedatiwa had been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje local government area, and security agencies on the ground.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the ill-fated aircraft. The governor and other stakeholders have commended the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site. The incident has been described as a painful moment for the Nigerian military and the entire nation.
The Nigerian Air Force has assured of its continued commitment to securing the nation, despite the setback. The incident has also underscored the need for improved safety measures in the aviation sector. Key stakeholders have promised to support the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in honouring fallen heroes and improving the safety and welfare of troops.
Key points
- All 32 people on board the Nigerian Air Force aircraft are feared dead.
- The incident has been described as a national tragedy by the Senate.
- The Nigerian Air Force has activated an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash.
