Katsina Times
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with search and rescue operations underway.
The aircraft, identified by the Nigerian Air Force as an ATR-42, was conducting a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m., according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft and that repeated attempts to establish radio communication with it were unsuccessful.
He later confirmed that information received by the authorities indicated that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where the wreckage was subsequently located.
According to preliminary information released by Keyamo, 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 32.
However, authorities had not, at the time of the latest reports, released an official figure for casualties or confirmed the condition of those on board.
The Nigerian Air Force said it had immediately activated a search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
He said further details would be communicated as the operation progresses.
Aviation Ministry Offers Assistance
Although military aircraft are outside the regulatory control of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry's cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The incident has attracted attention because of the number of people reported to have been aboard the aircraft and the difficulty of accessing the crash area.
Earlier reports from the scene described the crash location as a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information as rescue teams work to establish the circumstances of the accident and the condition of those aboard.
As of the latest available information, no official casualty figure had been announced. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, while further details are expected from the Nigerian Air Force and other authorities.
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