A military aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian military, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The aircraft was traveling from Benin to Lagos when it disappeared from radar at about 9:13 am. Sources close to the incident confirmed that all 32 people on board are believed to have died in the crash. The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, had preliminary information indicating 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. In a statement, Keyamo said that Air Traffic Controllers informed him that the military aircraft had disappeared from radar, and all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. The minister added that the wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed the crash, saying an ATR-42 aircraft had gone down in the Igbokoda area while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The NAF's Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the NAF immediately commenced a search and rescue operation. The NAF personnel are working with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies in the search and rescue operation.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, and authorities have yet to officially confirm the number of fatalities. However, sources privy to the information told SaharaReporters that all 32 people on board are believed to have died in the crash. Igbokoda is a riverine community and commercial hub in Ilaje, one of Ondo State's oil-producing areas, where aviation is frequently used for logistics.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, clarified that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have no regulatory control over military aircraft. Keyamo added that he has spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry's total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts.
The incident threw the coastal community into panic, with residents initially describing the aircraft as a helicopter. The NAF subsequently clarified that the aircraft was an ATR-42 and said it was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The community and surrounding areas are associated with oil and gas operations, where aviation is frequently used for logistics.
The Nigerian government has promised to provide further information as authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The incident is under investigation, and the search and rescue operation is ongoing. The government has expressed its cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts.
Key points
- All 32 people on board the military aircraft are believed to have died in the crash.
- The aircraft was traveling from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
- The cause of the crash remains unclear, and authorities are still investigating the incident.
