The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that it will not investigate the recent crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo state. According to the bureau, the incident involved a military aircraft, which falls outside its statutory mandate. The NSIB's position is based on the provisions of the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, and established international practice.
The NSIB emphasized that its decision is not a refusal to assist with the investigation but a recognition of the legal responsibility assigned to the military. The bureau stressed that it does not investigate military accidents unless formally invited to do so by the relevant authority. The aircraft was involved in an accident on Monday while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the incident and activated search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. The NAF has not released further details about the incident, but the NSIB has expressed sympathy to those affected by the crash. The bureau extended its condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those on board the aircraft.
Despite declining to directly investigate the crash, the NSIB said it is prepared to provide technical assistance if requested by the Nigerian Air Force. The bureau said such assistance could include deploying investigators and making its Flight Safety Laboratory available to recover and analyze flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
The NSIB commended first responders and other agencies involved in the rescue operation at Igbokoda. The bureau urged members of the public to rely only on official information from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the search and rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.
The incident occurred on October 5, 2026, and the NSIB has assured that it will provide further information when appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force. The bureau's decision to decline investigation into the crash is in line with international practice, which places the investigation of military aviation accidents under the relevant military authority.
The NSIB's offer of technical assistance is a gesture of goodwill and cooperation with the Nigerian Air Force. The bureau's role in aviation safety is crucial, and its assistance could help shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash. The incident is still under investigation, and further details are expected to be released in due course.
Key points
- The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will not investigate the Ondo NAF aircraft crash unless formally invited by the military authority.
- The incident involved a military aircraft, which falls outside the NSIB's statutory mandate.
- The NSIB is prepared to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian Air Force if requested.
