Monday October 5, 2026
By thenewsdesk.ng
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which involved 32 people, and has directed the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
According to information released by the Presidency, 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft. President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those who died, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as a painful moment for Nigeria’s Armed Forces and the country.
Tinubu said members of the Nigerian Air Force regularly put their lives at risk in the course of protecting the country, adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
The President also disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and that he had ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused the crash and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations shortly after the aircraft went down. He also recognised the efforts of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash location.
The crash initially triggered an emergency search operation after air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo subsequently confirmed that the wreckage had been located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that 32 people were on board.
The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and said it was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft was operated for military purposes, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
The Presidency’s later statement shifted the situation from the initial search-and-rescue phase to mourning for those aboard the aircraft, with Tinubu praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asking God to give their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to cope with the loss.
Tinubu also assured the Nigerian Air Force of the Federal Government’s continued support as the military service carries out its responsibilities in protecting the country.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established publicly. The investigation ordered by the President is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight and the factors that led to the accident.
The identities of the 32 victims had not been publicly released in the reports reviewed at the time of publication.
The Ondo State Government had also mobilised relevant emergency and security agencies to support operations at the crash site and urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information while authorities worked to establish the facts.
The incident has renewed attention on aviation safety and the risks faced by military personnel carrying out operational assignments across Nigeria.
