The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026, and has launched search and rescue operations.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. He said search and rescue operations were being carried out with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information showed 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, which has the tail number NGR 931. He said it disappeared from radio contact at about 9:13 am and that its wreckage had been located.
The aircraft reportedly came down in a swampy area close to the naval base, which made access to the scene difficult. The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the crash and said an investigation had begun to establish the circumstances. A resident described hearing a very loud sound before authorities arrived.
The chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, said military gear was found at the site but that he could not ascertain how many personnel were on board.
Early reports described the aircraft as a helicopter. The NAF’s statement refers only to an aircraft, and some reports say it was an ATR-42. The Air Force has not confirmed the type.
At the time of filing, no official casualty figures had been released, and the cause of the crash was unknown.
CDA News Nigeria will update this story as more information emerges.
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