The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The development marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing recovery operation and investigation into the October 5, 2026, aircraft accident.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement issued .
According to him, technical teams from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder was intact.
He further disclosed that part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), another critical component of the aircraft’s black box, had also been recovered. However, efforts to locate and retrieve the remaining portion of the flight data recorder are continuing.
The Air Force also confirmed the recovery of additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains from the crash site.
Ejodame explained that recovery operations were continuing despite the difficult swamp terrain, with technical teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components for further examination.
He said the investigation was being conducted carefully to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based findings.
The recovery exercise also involves the careful handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) responsible for carrying out the necessary identification procedures.
The NAF added that it had maintained communication with the families of the victims, acknowledging their need for information and support following the tragedy.
It also disclosed that engagements with relevant authorities were ongoing to address environmental concerns raised by residents of the host community.
The ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed into a swampy area near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 people, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that everyone on board died in the accident.
The challenging swamp environment initially complicated search and recovery operations, requiring additional equipment and support from other security agencies and the Ondo State Government.
The NAF had earlier constituted a 12-member investigation board to establish the circumstances and possible causes of the accident.
With the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder and part of the Flight Data Recorder, investigators are expected to have access to important technical evidence that could help reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.
The Air Force stressed that the ultimate objective of the investigation was not only to establish what caused the crash but also to identify lessons that could strengthen aviation safety, improve operational procedures and protect military personnel and civilians.
It appealed for public patience as recovery and investigative activities continue, promising to provide verified updates as appropriate Igbokoda air crash, Nigerian Air Force, NAF aircraft crash, Cockpit Voice Recorder, Ondo State plane crash
The Nigerian Air Force has recovered the intact Cockpit Voice Recorder and part of the Flight Data Recorder from the ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing 25 people.