32 Killed as Nigerian Air Force Plane Crashes in Ondo State

President Declares National Mourning

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the deaths of 32 people in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft. [1] Tinubu directed that flags fly at half-mast nationwide as a mark of respect to the officers and ordered the three-day mourning period. [1] The President instructed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. [1] Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force. [1] He commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation and praised the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site. [1]

Details of the Crash

The aircraft with tail number NAF 931 was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on 5 October 2026. [1] Air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13am shortly after take-off. [3] The plane crashed into a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State. [1] The wreckage was located close to the Naval Base, and the aircraft had burnt to rubble in the riverine terrain. [1] Personnel at the closest reporting points in Okitipupa later reported hearing a loud bang believed to have been the sound of the crash. [3] The aircraft disappeared from radar after communication was established shortly after take-off, with efforts to reconnect proving unsuccessful. [3]

Casualties and Initial Response

All 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard are confirmed dead with no survivors. [1] Military gear was recovered from the crash site. [1] Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the incident and stated that the jet had burnt to rubble. [1] An eyewitness reported hearing a very loud sound during drizzle and noted that the place is a swampy area inside the creek, making access difficult. [3] The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, said the aircraft crashed into the river and a swampy area while it was raining, and that there was no survivor. [3] The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis and urged residents to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information. [2]

Search and Rescue Operations

The Nigerian Air Force activated an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the accident. [1] Search and Rescue operations are ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. [1] The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, announced his ministry's total cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. [1] The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, directed the immediate mobilisation of state emergency and health agencies to support the ongoing search and rescue operation. [1] Local fishermen joined the rescue operation as authorities struggled to access the wreckage in the swampy area within the creek. [3] Military officers from a nearby base led the rescue operation while local fishermen assisted efforts to reach the site. [3]

Official Statements and Support

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development stated that air traffic controllers informed him of the disappearance of the military aircraft with tail number NGR 931 enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours. [1] The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau commended the swift activation of search and rescue and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda. [1] The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash involving the dedicated personnel of the Armed Forces. [1] The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority stood ready to provide technical expertise and assistance as may be required to support the ongoing search and rescue operations. [1] The Ondo State Governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, and security agencies at the scene. [3] The Nigerian Air Force stated it remained committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing rescue efforts. [1]

Ongoing Investigation

Investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. [1] The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required, including the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau's Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data. [1] The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the incident had commenced. [3] The Nigerian Air Force said further details would be communicated in due course. [1]

What to watch next: The Nigerian Air Force investigation into the cause of the crash continues, with the NSIB prepared to provide technical support upon formal request and police efforts to establish full circumstances ongoing.