A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, and the Air Force has activated an immediate search-and-rescue operation at the site.
The crash happened on Monday, October 5, 2026. The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin in Edo State to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 in the morning. All attempts to raise the aircraft on the radio proved abortive.
Preliminary information indicates there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board — 32 people in total. The wreckage was located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, and search-and-rescue operations were continuing at the time of reporting.
Air Force confirms rescue operation
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement: "The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026."
Aviation minister confirms incident
Nigeria's Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident and said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, about the situation. He pledged the ministry's full cooperation, while noting that military aircraft fall outside the regulatory authority of the aviation ministry and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
No confirmed casualty figure yet
At the time of reporting, there was no official confirmation of casualties or survivors. Authorities have not named any of those on board and have not stated any cause for the crash. The Air Force has said further details will be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
Sources:
- The Telegraph Nigeria: NAF confirms military aircraft crash in Ondo
- The Jour: Military Aircraft Carrying 32 Crashes in Ondo, NAF Activates Search and Rescue
- Reuters via The Telegraph India: Military aircraft with 32 people on board crashes in southern Nigeria, rescue operation on
The crash happened on Monday, October 5, 2026. The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin in Edo State to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 in the morning. All attempts to raise the aircraft on the radio proved abortive.
Preliminary information indicates there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board — 32 people in total. The wreckage was located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, and search-and-rescue operations were continuing at the time of reporting.
Air Force confirms rescue operation
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement: "The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026."
Aviation minister confirms incident
Nigeria's Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident and said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, about the situation. He pledged the ministry's full cooperation, while noting that military aircraft fall outside the regulatory authority of the aviation ministry and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
No confirmed casualty figure yet
At the time of reporting, there was no official confirmation of casualties or survivors. Authorities have not named any of those on board and have not stated any cause for the crash. The Air Force has said further details will be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
Sources:
- The Telegraph Nigeria: NAF confirms military aircraft crash in Ondo
- The Jour: Military Aircraft Carrying 32 Crashes in Ondo, NAF Activates Search and Rescue
- Reuters via The Telegraph India: Military aircraft with 32 people on board crashes in southern Nigeria, rescue operation on
