FG, NAF, Confirms Aircraft Crash in Ondo, 32 People Aboard

An aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people reportedly on board.

The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42, crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, while operating a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

A community leader had earlier confirmed the incident, although he said residents were yet to establish the exact location of the crash and other details.

“Yes, it is true. A helicopter crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State. But we don’t know the exact place and other details,” the community leader said.

The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed the crash, stating that it had activated an immediate search and rescue operation.

In a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently 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 statement said.

Aviation Ministry Confirms Crash

Also confirming the incident, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, disappeared after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.

Keyamo said the aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when attempts to establish radio contact with it failed.

According to the minister, subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with the wreckage already located.

“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board,” Keyamo said.

The minister did not disclose the condition or identities of those on board, as search and rescue operations were still ongoing.

Keyamo also clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

He, however, said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” he added.