The Federal Government has confirmed that 32 people were on board a military aircraft that crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, saying the aircraft had disappeared from radar after efforts to establish radio communication with the crew proved unsuccessful.
Military Aircraft Crashes Near Igbokoda Naval Base
According to Keyamo, air traffic controllers initially reported the disappearance of the aircraft while it was en route to Lagos from Benin.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” the minister said.
Subsequently, authorities received information confirming that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The wreckage has since been located, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed the accident, describing the flight as a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and saying rescue operations had been activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
32 People Were On Board
Preliminary information provided by the aviation minister indicates that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft, bringing the total number of people on board to 32.
However, authorities have not yet released details about the condition or identities of those on board.
The casualty figure has also not been established as search and rescue teams continue operations at the crash site.
The incident occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Aircraft Disappeared From Radar at 9:13am
Keyamo said the aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 9:13 a.m. on Monday.
The aircraft had been travelling from Benin towards Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
Attempts to establish communication with the crew through radio were unsuccessful before the aircraft was subsequently confirmed to have crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The wreckage was later located, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.
NAF Launches Search and Rescue Operation
The Nigerian Air Force has activated an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was being conducted in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
He said the Air Force remained committed to ensuring the success of the rescue efforts and that further details would be communicated as they become available.
The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash and urged residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while authorities establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Keyamo Pledges Government Support
Keyamo clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Despite this, the minister said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue operation.
He said further information about the incident would be released subsequently.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, while authorities continue efforts to account for everyone on board and determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.