Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo, Killing 25 on Board
Ondo Aircraft Crash: 25 Killed as Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 Goes Down in Igbokoda
Igbokoda, Ondo State — Nigeria is mourning after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, killing all 25 people aboard.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force, was travelling from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos on what officials described as a routine mission when it crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The accident occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, close to a naval base. The aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar before its wreckage was eventually located in the area.
The Nigerian Air Force initially activated a search-and-rescue operation after losing contact with the aircraft. Emergency agencies and security personnel were subsequently involved in efforts to locate the plane and establish the condition of those aboard.
No survivors confirmed
The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people were on board NAF 931, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.
The service said no survivors had been found.
The confirmation came after initial reports from Nigerian authorities gave a higher figure of 32 people aboard the aircraft. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially reported that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently reviewed the manifest and confirmed the lower figure of 25 people.
The difference between the initial and later figures has not been fully explained publicly, but the Air Force’s latest statement is the current official figure being reported.
How the crash happened
According to officials, the ATR-42 was operating a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when communication with the aircraft was lost.
Reuters reported that air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 0813 GMT on Monday. The wreckage was later located near Igbokoda, a coastal community in Ondo State.
Local residents described hearing a loud noise around the time of the crash.
One resident told the Associated Press that the sound was similar to thunder and that the aircraft appeared to clear some trees before going down. Other reports indicated that the aircraft crashed close to a river and was partially submerged in the surrounding wetland.
The difficult terrain around the crash site created additional challenges for responders attempting to reach the wreckage.
Search-and-rescue operation launched
The Nigerian Air Force said it immediately activated search-and-rescue operations following the accident.
Emergency responders, military personnel and other agencies moved toward the crash site after the aircraft was located.
The Defence Headquarters has also ordered an investigation into the accident. Officials said the investigation will seek to establish exactly what caused the aircraft to crash and determine whether there were technical, operational, environmental or other factors involved.
Ondo State authorities also mobilised emergency resources to support the response. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed relevant state agencies, including emergency management and health officials, to provide logistical and human support to the operation.
Aircraft identified as ATR-42
The aircraft involved was identified as an ATR-42, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used by the Nigerian Air Force for several operational roles.
The aircraft type has been used for transport, surveillance, intelligence-gathering and search-and-rescue-related missions.
The crashed aircraft was identified as NAF 931. According to reporting by Premium Times, the Nigerian Air Force operated two ATR-42-500MP aircraft, including NAF 930 and NAF 931. The aircraft were acquired for maritime surveillance and related missions.
The ATR-42 involved in Monday’s accident was operating from the Nigerian Air Force’s 81 Air Maritime Group based in Benin City.
President Tinubu orders investigation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the crash and ordered the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation.
The President said the loss represented a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
He directed the Air Force to determine the cause of the crash and identify measures that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Nigerian government has also declared three days of national mourning for the victims, with flags ordered to be flown at half-mast.
The President also commended the first responders and the Nigerian Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations following the accident.
Families await answers
The crash has left families and colleagues of those aboard the aircraft waiting for answers about what happened during the final moments of the flight.
The Nigerian Air Force has released information concerning those who were aboard, while officials continue efforts to formally account for the victims and support their families.
The Defence Headquarters described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.
Military personnel regularly undertake transport, surveillance, security and other missions across Nigeria, often operating in challenging environments.
The tragedy has therefore renewed attention on the safety of military aviation and the importance of determining the exact circumstances behind aircraft accidents.
Cause of crash remains unknown
At this stage, authorities have not established a definitive cause for the accident.
There has been no official confirmation that the crash was caused by mechanical failure, bad weather, pilot error or any other specific factor.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s condition, flight data, maintenance history, weather conditions, communications with air traffic control and other available evidence.
Officials are also expected to review the circumstances surrounding the loss of contact with the aircraft.
Until the investigation is completed, claims about the cause of the crash should be treated as unconfirmed.
A nation mourns
The Ondo crash is one of the most serious aviation tragedies involving a Nigerian military aircraft in recent years.
News of the accident quickly spread across Nigeria, prompting an outpouring of grief from government officials, members of the Armed Forces and members of the public.
For the families of those aboard NAF 931, the tragedy represents an enormous personal loss.
The national mourning declared by President Tinubu is intended to honour those who died and recognise their service and sacrifice.
As investigators begin the difficult task of reconstructing what happened, attention will remain focused on the crash site in Igbokoda and on the findings of the official investigation.
For now, the confirmed facts are that the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 was travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission, crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State, and that 25 people aboard the aircraft died.
The investigation will determine what caused the aircraft to go down and whether any lessons can be applied to prevent another tragedy of this kind.
This story will be updated as Nigerian authorities release additional verified information.
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