The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that the aircraft which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026, belonged to the force. According to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred in the early hours of Monday. The incident prompted the NAF to activate a search and rescue operation immediately.
The aircraft accident occurred during a routine mission, and search and rescue operations are currently ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. The NAF has assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring the success of the rescue operation and has promised to provide further information as it becomes available. The confirmation by the Air Force came after the Ondo State Police Command earlier confirmed the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Ondo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the incident and urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information. The police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said details surrounding the incident were still emerging as authorities worked to establish the circumstances of the crash. The police command assured the public that members would be informed once further credible information became available.
Reports from the area indicated that some occupants of the crashed aircraft might have died, although the number of casualties had not been established as of the time of filing the report. A source said the aircraft crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, making access to the scene difficult for residents. The source added that residents heard a loud sound from the area where the aircraft came down but could not immediately reach the crash site because it was located inside a creek.
According to the source, police and military personnel later arrived at the area to commence rescue efforts, although there were fears that some occupants might have died. The source stated that the police and military people later came around for rescue, but the occupants of the aircraft might have died in the crash. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in Nigeria.
The NAF's ATR-42 aircraft was involved in the incident, which has sparked an investigation into the cause of the crash. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with the NAF working closely with relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The incident has also raised questions about the safety of Nigeria's airspace.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft and the need for rigorous safety protocols. An investigation into the incident is expected to reveal the cause of the crash and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The NAF has promised to provide updates on the rescue operation and the investigation into the incident.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force confirms that the crashed aircraft in Ondo State belonged to the force.
- The incident occurred during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the NAF working closely with relevant authorities.
