The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft involved in a crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday was one of its aircraft.
The NAF said the ATR-42 aircraft was carrying out a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred on October 5, 2026.
Following the incident, the Air Force activated a search and rescue operation in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said efforts were ongoing to locate and assist those who were on board the aircraft.
The confirmation came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that a military aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost communication with it.
Keyamo said the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin to Lagos when contact was lost at about 9:13am.
He later confirmed that the wreckage had been located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that search and rescue operations were underway.
Preliminary information released by the minister indicated that 32 people were on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The NAF, however, had not disclosed the number of casualties or the condition of those on board as of the time of its statement.
Keyamo also clarified that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority do not have regulatory authority over military aircraft.
He said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and assured that the ministry would provide necessary support for the ongoing rescue operation.
The Air Force said further details would be communicated as the search and rescue efforts progress.
