Ondo: 32 On Board Crashed Air Force Plane

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the crash of one of its aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, with 32 people on board.

The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda on Monday morning, October 5, 2026.

The NAF confirmed that the aircraft had 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. All persons on board are yet to be accounted for.

Initial reports had indicated that a helicopter was involved in the incident.

Confirming the crash in a statement, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Air Force has activated an immediate search and rescue operation.

“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 statement said.

The Minister of Aviation also confirmed that air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. before it disappeared from radar.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing as at press time.