How Lagos-bound NAF aircraft crashed with 32 on board

All the 32 persons on board a Nigerian military aircraft that crashed on Monday are feared dead.

The indication to this effect was contained in a statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash of the ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local government area of Ondo state.

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

Onanuga said: “The president extends his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.”

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.

“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” the president said.

NAF activates search and rescue

Meanwhile, the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, reportedly crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda in the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2026.

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

In a statement, Ejodame said the NAF had commenced search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

“The Nigerian Air Force has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October, 2026,” the statement said.

The NAF, however, did not immediately provide details of casualties, stressing that further information would be communicated as the rescue operation progresses.

…Senate mourns

Mourning the victims on Monday, the Senate, through its committee on Army, described it as national tragedy.

In a solemn statement signed by chairman of the committee, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the Senate said the tragic incident made the day a very sad one for the Nigerian military.

It commiserated with the Nigeria Armed Forces and assured them of its supports on honouring fallen heroes and improving the safety and welfare of troops.

The statement reads:  “We commiserate with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria at this difficult time.

“This is indeed a sad day for the entire military family and for the nation as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. We pray that Almighty Allah grants the souls of the departed eternal rest and gives their families the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

“The Senate Committee on Army stands with the Nigerian Military and will continue to support all efforts to honour our fallen heroes and improve the safety and welfare of our troops.”

…Aiyedatiwa griefs

Also, Ondo state Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has expressed deep sadness over the incident and directed state agencies to provide full support for the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

In a statement by his media team Monday, the governor said preliminary reports from the NAF confirmed the aircraft as an ATR-42 and that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.

Aiyedatiwa sympathised with the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force family and the families of those on board the aircraft.

The governor said he had been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje local government area, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on the ground.