RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says operations to recover the wreckage of its aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, are continuing amid complaints from residents about an offensive odour and concerns over possible environmental hazards.
The Air Force acknowledged the concerns in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, assuring residents that their safety and well-being remained a priority.
Ejodame said the NAF was collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the wreckage was recovered safely and that appropriate measures would be taken to address any environmental or public health risks identified.
The statement followed complaints from residents of Igbokoda about an unpleasant smell around the crash location and uncertainty over the possible consequences for the surrounding community.
According to the Air Force spokesperson, the service recognises the anxiety caused by the incident and is committed to maintaining engagement with residents and relevant authorities throughout the recovery process.
He explained that environmental and public health assessments would be undertaken in collaboration with appropriate government agencies after the recovery operation.
The assessments are expected to establish whether the crash has resulted in contamination or other hazards requiring remedial action.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 bearing registration number NAF 931, reportedly crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, while travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission.
According to reports, all 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.
Recovery efforts have involved the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Navy and the National Safety Investigation Bureau.
The swampy terrain surrounding the crash location has added to concerns about the recovery process and possible effects on the immediate environment.
The NAF said it would continue working with relevant authorities and community stakeholders to address public health, safety and environmental concerns arising from the incident.
As of the statement, recovery operations were still ongoing, and the Air Force had not announced findings from an environmental assessment or a final determination of the accident’s cause.
