Top military chiefs have visited the crash site of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Western Naval Command FOC, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha and Logistics Command AOC, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh led the visit to inspect ongoing recovery efforts.

To locate the submerged aircraft, teams have deployed advanced underwater sonar equipment and drones across the difficult mangrove terrain.

The Nigerian Navy has also brought in specialized hydrographic divers to map the murky waters while plans are underway to use swamp buggies for excavation.

Rear Admiral Mustapha thanked the Ondo State Government, local communities and emergency agencies for their support while appealing to the public to remain calm as the operation continues.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the people who died in the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, on Monday.

The aircraft, NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

In a statement, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, said no survivor had been found following the accident, which prompted the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities.

Those killed include five crew members: Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.

The 20 passengers were identified as Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye; Flying Officer IM Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini BA; Warrant Officer Nuhu FS; Flight Sergeant James RB; Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI; Sergeant Ani AE; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha AN; Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC; Lance Corporal Eledan GE; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the crash.

Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.

A Nigerian military aircraft, ATR-42 carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo said the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was flying from Benin to Lagos when contact was lost at about 9:13 a.m.

The wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are underway.

Preliminary information indicates there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

Keyamo said he has spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full support for the rescue effort.

Meanwhile, 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.

Ehimen Ejodame, Air Commodore, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, said NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.