A former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the operations, maintenance, and condition of Nigeria's military aircraft. This appeal comes in the wake of a recent crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State on October 5, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of all 25 people on board. Ejiofor, speaking on Arise News, expressed concern over the frequency of military aircraft crashes in the country.
The crash, which occurred in Ondo State, has raised questions about the safety and maintenance of Nigeria's military aircraft. According to Ejiofor, the frequency of such incidents has become a cause for concern, with over 10 crashes reported in the last 10 years. He noted that the state of maintenance of these aircraft, their age, and the general operations of the Air Force need to be examined. The incident has also highlighted weaknesses in record-keeping, with initial reports providing conflicting figures of those on board.
The aircraft, which crashed on October 5, 2026, was carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, all of whom were killed in the incident. Ejiofor questioned the possible purpose of the flight, given the large number of people on board, suggesting it may not have been for reconnaissance. He also expressed concerns about the recovery of the wreckage and victims, attributing the challenges to the difficult terrain around the crash site.
The terrain of the crash site has posed significant challenges to recovery efforts, with the fuselage of the aircraft and other debris yet to be recovered. Ejiofor emphasized the importance of recovering the aircraft's black boxes to determine the cause of the crash. He also acknowledged the proximity of a naval base and police station to the crash site, which should have facilitated a quick response, but noted that the terrain was a major obstacle.
Ejiofor also commented on reports of a deafening sound before the crash, cautioning against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed. He suggested that the impact of the crash could have caused the noise, or possibly an explosion before the impact. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the government taking steps to determine the cause of the incident.
In a related development, Ejiofor discussed the killing of ISWAP leader Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Ondo State, describing it as "very, very significant." He noted that intelligence indicated that the group was planning attacks during the festive period to discourage Nigerians from participating in the general elections. The killing of Ohida has been seen as a major success for the country's security forces.
Ejiofor stressed the need for coordination among security agencies, citing the joint efforts of the DSS, Army, and Amotekun. He commended the security forces for their role in preventing potential attacks and loss of lives. The incident has highlighted the importance of synergy among security agencies in the country.
Key points
- - Ex-DSS chief Mike Ejiofor calls for broader investigation into Nigeria's military aircraft crashes - Recent crash in Ondo State killed all 25 people on board, raising concerns over safety and maintenance - Ejiofor emphasizes need for coordination among security agencies to prevent potential attacks
