32 Killed as Nigerian Air Force Plane Crashes in Ondo State Swamp

A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft with 32 people on board crashed into a swamp near Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5 2026 shortly after takeoff from Benin City en route to Lagos with no survivors.

Military Aircraft Vanishes From Radar

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13am shortly after takeoff from Benin City. [1] Communication with the plane was established shortly after it took off but contact was subsequently lost, with efforts to reconnect proving unsuccessful. [1] Personnel at the closest reporting points in Okitipupa later reported hearing a loud bang believed to have been the sound of the crash. [1] The Air Force ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at 0813 GMT on Monday. [3] The loss of communication was described as suspicious by a senior Air Traffic Controller, who noted that the aircraft just vanished until the crash. [1]

Crash Site and Rescue Efforts

The wreckage was located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda in a swampy creek area that was difficult to access especially while it was drizzling. [1] The aircraft crashed into a swampy area within the creek, making access to the wreckage difficult and slowing the rescue operation. [1] The crash occurred while it was drizzling, and local residents reported hearing a very loud sound at the area where the incident happened but could not reach the site because it is a swampy area inside the creek. [1] The Nigerian Air Force activated an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026. [1] Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing. [1] Local fishermen joined the rescue operation as authorities struggled to access the wreckage, and military officers from a nearby base were leading the effort. [1] The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the wreckage had been located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that search and rescue operations are ongoing. [1]

No Survivors Confirmed

Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Igbokoda monarch both stated there were no survivors and local residents reported hearing a loud bang. [1] The governor expressed sadness over the crash and said his administration had activated relevant state agencies to support the ongoing search-and-rescue operation. [1] The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, described the incident as unfortunate and said from his investigation and what had been gathered so far, there was no survivor. [1] The aircraft carried 25 passengers and seven crew members. [3] President Bola Tinubu, confirming that there were no survivors, expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to the families of those aboard. [3] The accident was one of the deadliest air disasters in Nigeria in recent years. [3]

President Declares National Mourning

President Tinubu declared three days of national mourning ordered flags at half-mast and directed a thorough investigation into the cause. [4] He directed that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers. [4] The Chief of Air Staff has briefed him, and he has directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. [3] President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident. [4] He stated that this is a painful moment for the Armed Forces and for the entire nation, noting that Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. [4] The Air Force will release the officers’ names after contacting their families. [4]

Official Reactions and Investigation

Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated by the Nigerian Air Force with assistance from local fishermen military personnel and emergency responders. [1] The Nigerian Air Force, in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said it had activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation. [1] The police confirmed that an investigation into the incident had commenced. [1] The Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026. [1] Jimoh urged residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information. [1] The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that air traffic controllers had informed him of the disappearance of the aircraft. [1] The identities and condition of those on board were yet to be officially disclosed as of the time of filing reports. [1]

What to watch next: The Air Force will release the officers’ names after contacting their families, and further details on the search and rescue operations will be communicated in due course as the investigation progresses. [4]