News Investigators/ The Nigerian Air Force has activated a search and rescue over its aircraft carrying 32 people that crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
The NAF aircraft was headed for Lagos after it took off from Benin, Edo State capital before the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft, an ATR-42, belonged to the service and was on a routine mission when the accident occurred on October 5, 2026.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
Mr. Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13 a.m. while it was on the Benin-Lagos route.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” he said.
He later announced that the wreckage had been located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that search and rescue operations were underway.
The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed that rescue teams had been activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame said the service was focused on locating and assisting those on board.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course,” he said.
As of the latest official statements, neither the Air Force nor the aviation ministry had confirmed the number of survivors or deaths.
Earlier reports from Igbokoda said the aircraft came down in a swampy area of the coastal community, causing panic among residents.
Reports also quoted Ondo State Police Command confirming an aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area, urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information while investigations and rescue efforts continued.
Mr. Keyamo stressed that military aircraft are outside the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
He said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and offered the ministry’s cooperation and assistance with the rescue operation.
The ATR-42 type operated by the Air Force is used for missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and maritime operations.