An aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with preliminary information indicating that 32 people — 25 passengers and seven crew members — were on board.
The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it went down on Monday.
The incident triggered an immediate search-and-rescue operation involving the Nigerian Air Force, relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
A community leader in Igbokoda confirmed the incident, although he said residents were initially unable to establish the exact location of the crash or obtain details about the condition of those on board.
“Yes, it is true. A helicopter crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State. But we don’t know the exact place and other details,” the community leader said.
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The Nigerian Air Force later officially confirmed the incident, clarifying that the aircraft involved was an ATR-42.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the aircraft was carrying out a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue operations had been activated immediately and were being conducted in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
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The NAF also assured that every effort was being made to ensure the success of the rescue operation, adding that further information would be released as it becomes available.
Aviation Minister Confirms Wreckage Located
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the crash, providing further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at approximately 9:13 a.m. after it departed Benin for Lagos.
He said all attempts to establish radio contact with the aircraft proved unsuccessful.
Subsequent information, according to the minister, indicated that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where the wreckage was later located.
Keyamo said preliminary information suggested that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.
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However, the minister did not disclose the identities of those on board or confirm their condition, stressing that search-and-rescue operations were still in progress.
The minister also clarified that the regulation and control of military aircraft fall outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, given the military nature of the aircraft.
Despite this, Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Ongoing
Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure or confirm the condition of everyone believed to have been on board.
Rescue teams and relevant emergency agencies are continuing operations at the crash site as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force has promised to provide further updates as more verified information becomes available.
Cruise TV News will continue to monitor developments and bring you verified updates on this developing story.
