NAF Confirms ATR-42 Military Aircraft Crash in Ondo as Search and Rescue Operation Begins.

NAF Confirms ATR-42 Military Aircraft Crash in Ondo as Search and Rescue Operation Begins.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the crash of one of its ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, following reports that the aircraft disappeared while travelling from Benin City to Lagos on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The NAF, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was conducting a routine mission when the accident occurred. The Air Force immediately activated a search and rescue operation in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

Further information from Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo identified the aircraft by tail number as NGR 931. According to reports citing the minister, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was en route from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was subsequently located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members, making 32 people in total, were aboard.

At the time of publication, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties or the condition of those on board. While some early reports and sources claimed fatalities, the NAF and the Federal Government had not publicly confirmed such figures as search and rescue efforts continued. Reuters and the Associated Press likewise reported that casualty information had not yet been officially established.

The crash has drawn emergency attention to Igbokoda, a coastal community in Ondo State where the difficult swampy and waterlogged terrain could complicate access to the crash site. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information as investigations and rescue efforts continue. The cause of the accident had also not been established as of the latest reports.

The incident comes amid the Nigerian military’s continued use of aircraft for transportation, surveillance, logistics and other operational duties. The ATR-42 involved in the crash is a twin engine turboprop aircraft, and authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the loss of contact and subsequent crash as the response operation progresses.