The Nigerian Air Force has launched a high-level investigation into the fatal crash of its ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery operations continue and a separate military helicopter incident in Benue State ends without casualties.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, involving military and civilian aviation safety experts to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, announced the investigation on Thursday during a visit to the crash site, assuring the families of those affected that the service would provide the necessary support.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
Aneke said he had directed the service’s safety and evaluation department to assemble a team of specialists to establish the cause of the accident. The investigation team is expected to include representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), accident and emergency management authorities, retired senior military officers and experienced NAF personnel.
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He appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the crash must be established through a thorough professional examination of the available evidence.
“This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with you, the general public. We’ve lost people who are fighting for the nation,” Aneke said.
“The best we can do for them is to be a little bit patient and let those who are the specialists get to the bottom of what has happened,” he added.
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NAF Chief Expresses Personal Grief, Condoles with Families
The Air Chief described the incident as a significant loss to the Nigerian military and the families of those on board, revealing that he personally knew the crew members.
According to him, the personnel were highly trained, professional and experienced officers who had served the country.
“I basically knew everyone on that flight. I’ve flown on this aeroplane. My family has flown on this aeroplane. I know each of the crew personally. Highly trained, professional, and intelligent officers,” he said.
Aneke also conveyed condolences on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and members of the Armed Forces, reiterating the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the accident.
He assured the bereaved families that the service would provide the necessary assistance during the difficult period.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need,” the Air Chief stated.
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Difficult Terrain Hampers Recovery Operations
Recovery teams are continuing operations at the crash site, where thick mangroves, murky water and deep mud have made access to the swampy terrain difficult.
The challenging environmental conditions have complicated efforts to locate the main wreckage and recover the victims’ remains.
The Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal E. O. E. Ebiowe, said the operation was progressing in collaboration with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
He confirmed that the crash site remained secured and that recovered materials were being documented and preserved for further examination.
Aneke emphasised that all evidence collected from the scene would be carefully secured, documented and subjected to detailed analysis to assist investigators in determining the circumstances that led to the crash.
The Air Chief also commended the Ondo State Government, security agencies, emergency responders, Hi-Tech Construction Company, community leaders and volunteers for their contributions to the recovery effort.
He particularly praised residents who were among the first to respond after the incident.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders,” he said, acknowledging the cooperation and solidarity demonstrated by the community.
“Words cannot describe how we Nigerians come together when things like this happen,” Aneke added.
Separate NAF Helicopter Makes Precautionary Landing in Benue
In a separate development, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that a military helicopter had made a precautionary landing on farmland in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday, with both pilots reported safe.
The incident occurred after the helicopter completed an operation against suspected kidnappers near the Enugu–Benue boundary.
Residents said the landing took place between noon and 1 p.m. on farmland behind Father Angus Frazer College, near Welfare Quarters Extension. Another witness identified the location as Utur Tse-Igboji in Bar Council Ward.
A resident, Desmond Terfa, said the pilots informed villagers that the helicopter had developed a problem involving its primary and secondary engine fuel feed while returning from the mission.
According to Terfa, the pilots explained that they could not safely continue to the Air Force Base and therefore diverted to the farmland.
“The farmers were around, but nobody was affected. Only the crops were damaged,” he said, adding that both pilots were safely evacuated.
NAF Explains Circumstances of Helicopter Landing
Providing further details, the Nigerian Air Force said the helicopter had supported ground troops during an operation against suspected kidnappers, helping to disrupt criminal activities and facilitate the troops’ advance.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the pilot exercised professional discretion by carrying out the precautionary landing after completing the mission.
“Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield,” Ejodame said.
He explained that the decision was consistent with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
Ejodame further confirmed that the helicopter had returned to base.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities and sustaining pressure on criminal groups through coordinated air and ground operations.
Investigation Expected to Establish Cause of Ondo Crash
As recovery efforts continue in Igbokoda, attention remains focused on the investigation into the ATR-42 crash and the evidence being gathered by the relevant authorities.
The Nigerian Air Force has urged the public to allow aviation safety experts to complete their work without premature conclusions about the cause of the incident.
The investigation is expected to examine the available evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For the affected families, the Air Force’s assurances of support come as recovery teams continue working under difficult conditions.
The outcome of the investigation will be central to understanding what happened to aircraft NAF 931 and determining any necessary safety lessons to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Cruise TV News will continue to follow developments in the investigation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
