RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has offered technical assistance following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it lost contact with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday.
Preliminary information indicated that 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were on board.
The wreckage has been located, while search-and-rescue operations involving relevant authorities and emergency-response agencies are ongoing.
NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force, those aboard the aircraft, their families and others affected by the incident.
Najomo clarified that the regulation and operation of military aircraft fall outside the NCAA’s statutory mandate but said the authority was prepared to provide technical expertise and other assistance required for the emergency response.
“Accordingly, the NCAA stands ready to provide such technical expertise and assistance as may be required to support the ongoing search and rescue operations,” he said.
The NCAA said it was monitoring developments and would cooperate with relevant government agencies in accordance with established emergency-response procedures.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo also said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s cooperation with the ongoing operation.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the service and said an immediate search-and-rescue operation was activated following the crash.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has also directed state emergency, health and security agencies to provide logistical and personnel support for the rescue operation.
As of the latest official information, authorities had not announced the condition of the passengers and crew or confirmed a casualty figure.
Najomo expressed hope for a positive outcome as emergency teams continued operations at the crash site.
