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| ATR-42 Aircraft Crashed |
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, 5 October 2026, and said search and rescue operations are now underway.
According to a statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin in Edo State to Lagos when the accident occurred. The NAF said it immediately activated search and rescue efforts in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The full statement reads:
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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.
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“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo earlier confirmed that air traffic controllers lost contact with a military aircraft (tail number NGR 931) at about 9:13 a.m. while it was en route from Benin to Lagos. He later stated that the wreckage had been located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that preliminary information indicated 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board (32 people in total). Search and rescue operations were ongoing at the time of his update.
Earlier social-media and resident reports had described the aircraft as a helicopter; the NAF clarified that it was an ATR-42.
As of the latest official updates, the NAF has not released casualty figures or further details about the condition of those on board. The cause of the accident has also not been established. Authorities have urged the public to await further official communication.
The incident occurred in a riverine part of Ilaje Local Government Area. Emergency responders and security agencies were mobilised to the scene.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force and other official sources.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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