The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has offered technical assistance to support the ongoing search and rescue operation following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The authority expressed deep concern over the incident involving NAF aircraft NGR931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday. The NCAA stated it was deeply saddened by the development and extended its thoughts and prayers to the NAF personnel, occupants of the aircraft, their families, and everyone affected by the incident.
The crashed NAF aircraft, identified as NGR931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday. Preliminary information released by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members (32 people in all) were aboard the aircraft. The NCAA said military aviation operations remain outside its regulatory and operational mandate but stressed its readiness to work with relevant authorities and agencies under established national emergency response protocols to support efforts to rescue those involved.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. It subsequently activated a search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. The NAF, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed. Ejodame said the Air Force had immediately activated a search and rescue operation in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The NCAA, in a statement by its Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said it was closely monitoring developments and remained prepared to contribute to the national response. While acknowledging that military aviation operations fall outside its regulatory oversight and operational mandate, the NCAA said it would not stand aside in the face of the emergency. The authority said it was ready to provide whatever technical expertise and assistance might be required to support the search and rescue operation.
Keyamo confirmed that approximately 32 people were on board the military aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. He said all attempts to raise the aircraft by radio were unsuccessful before subsequent information confirmed that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda. The wreckage was subsequently located, with search and rescue operations launched. The minister did not announce any casualty figure or provide the identities of those aboard the aircraft, as rescue efforts were still ongoing.
The crash had earlier generated uncertainty in Igbokoda, with initial reports describing the aircraft as a helicopter and the exact number of occupants unknown. Subsequent statements from the NAF and the Aviation Ministry established that the aircraft belonged to the Nigerian Air Force and that 32 people were believed to have been aboard. Keyamo clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft do not fall within the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development or the NCAA.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a probe into the Ondo military air crash. The NCAA’s offer of support for the search and rescue operation followed the incident, with the authority expressing solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and others directly affected by the crash, while hoping that the ongoing operation would produce a positive outcome. The authority prayed for the safety and successful rescue of all those involved.
Key points
- The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) offers technical assistance to support the search and rescue operation following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in Ondo State.
- The crashed NAF aircraft, identified as NGR931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos with 32 people aboard.
- The NCAA remains outside the regulatory and operational mandate for military aviation operations but is providing support under national emergency response protocols.
