NAF begins search, rescue operation in Ondo aircraft crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has activated an immediate search and rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Ejodame said the aircraft was on routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.

Ejodame said search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, were ongoing.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course,” the NAF spokesman said.

FG confirms military aircraft crash in Ondo, says 25 passengers, 7 crew members on board

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the incident.

Keyamo said the aircraft with tail number NGR 931 disappeared at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday after air traffic controllers lost contact with it en route Lagos from Benin.

Keyamo said the aircraft was subsequently confirmed to have crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, adding that the wreckage had been located while search and rescue operations were ongoing.

Keyamo said preliminary information revealed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.