A Nigerian military aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people reportedly on board.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident on Monday, October 5, 2026, saying preliminary information indicated that the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 operating a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, reportedly disappeared from air traffic controllers’ radar at about 9:13am after communication with the crew was lost.
According to Keyamo, repeated efforts to establish radio contact with the aircraft were unsuccessful.
The aircraft was later confirmed to have crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where its wreckage was located.
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
Following confirmation of the crash, the Nigerian Air Force activated a search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The NAF said efforts were underway to locate and assist those on board the aircraft.
At the time of the initial official reports, authorities had not confirmed the number of casualties or the condition of the passengers and crew.
The development triggered concern among residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities as emergency personnel moved to the crash area.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also directed state emergency and security agencies to provide logistical and human support for the rescue operation. He further ordered that the crash site be secured to allow emergency responders to work without obstruction.
What Happened to the Military Aircraft?
The exact circumstances that led to the crash remain unclear.
The aircraft was reportedly travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission when air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
No official explanation had initially been given as to whether the aircraft suffered a technical problem, encountered adverse weather or experienced another difficulty before the loss of communication.
The Nigerian Air Force said further details would be communicated as the rescue operation progresses.
Keyamo Offers Support to Nigerian Air Force
Keyamo clarified that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority do not exercise regulatory control over military aircraft.
Despite this, the minister said he had contacted the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Keyamo said additional information would be made available as it becomes available.
NAF Confirms ATR-42 Aircraft
The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft involved in the incident as an ATR-42.
The aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The ATR-42 is used by the Nigerian Air Force for missions including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as transport operations.
The identification by the Air Force also clarified earlier reports that had described the aircraft as a helicopter.
Authorities Urge Public to Avoid Unverified Reports
Authorities have urged members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while emergency operations continue.
The Ondo State Police Command said details of the incident were still emerging and that credible information would be released as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said it would not directly investigate the military aircraft crash unless formally invited by the military authority.
For relatives, colleagues and associates of those on board, the immediate priority remains determining the fate of the 32 passengers and crew members.
Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts at the crash site as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.