5th October, 2026 | News

Ondo Military Aircraft Crash: 32 Feared Dead After Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 Crashes in Igbokoda

October 5, 2026 | News

At least 32 people are feared dead after a Nigerian military ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The aircraft, reportedly operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), was travelling from Benin to Lagos when it disappeared from radar before crashing near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

Sources told SaharaReporters that all 32 people on board were believed to have died. The reported figure comprises 25 passengers and seven crew members, according to preliminary information provided by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

However, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of fatalities at the time of the report, as search and rescue operations were still ongoing.

Military Aircraft Crashes Near Igbokoda Naval Base

The incident occurred on Monday morning after the aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers.

Keyamo said the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, was last in communication at approximately 9:13 a.m. All attempts to re-establish radio contact were reportedly unsuccessful.

The minister said subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.

He added that the wreckage had been located and that search and rescue operations were underway.

Nigerian Air Force Confirms ATR-42 Crash

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the accident in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The NAF said it had immediately commenced search and rescue operations following the ATR-42 aircraft accident.

According to the military, its personnel were working alongside relevant authorities and emergency response agencies to respond to the incident.

The NAF initially did not disclose the number of people aboard the aircraft or confirm casualties.

32 People Reportedly On Board

Preliminary information released by the Minister of Aviation indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the military aircraft.

Sources subsequently told SaharaReporters that all 32 people were believed to have died in the crash.

The casualty figure remains subject to official confirmation as authorities continue search, rescue and recovery operations.

Aircraft Was Travelling From Benin to Lagos

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine military mission from Benin to Lagos when it disappeared from radar.

The incident initially caused confusion in Igbokoda, with some residents describing the aircraft as a helicopter.

The Nigerian Air Force later clarified that the aircraft involved was an ATR-42 operating a routine mission.

Cause of Crash Remains Unknown

The cause of the military aircraft crash has not yet been established.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the aircraft’s final communications, flight path and technical condition.

The Minister of Aviation also clarified that military aviation operations fall outside the regulatory control of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Igbokoda Community Thrown Into Panic

The crash has caused concern in Igbokoda, a riverine community and commercial centre in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The area is associated with oil and gas activities and aviation is sometimes used for logistics and transportation in the wider coastal region.

Emergency responders and military personnel were deployed as authorities worked to locate the aircraft and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Further information on casualties and the cause of the accident is expected as the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant authorities continue their investigation.