BREAKING:NAF ATR-42 Crashes in Ondo, 32 On Board as Search, Rescue Operation Begins
An aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people — 25 passengers and seven crew members — reportedly on board.
The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crash, saying it had immediately activated search and rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
He said: “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.
“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.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed that preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, bringing the total number of persons aboard to 32.
Keyamo disclosed that air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was travelling from Benin towards Lagos.
According to the minister, repeated efforts to establish radio contact with the aircraft proved unsuccessful before information subsequently confirmed that it had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The wreckage has since been located, while search and rescue operations remain ongoing.
The incident initially generated reports of a helicopter crash in the area, but the NAF subsequently identified the aircraft involved as an ATR-42.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the condition or casualty status of those on board.
The NAF and other emergency agencies are continuing efforts at the crash site, while further details are expected to be released as the rescue operation progresses.