The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that the aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026, belongs to the force.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a routine mission when the accident occurred.
According to Ejodame, the ATR-42 aircraft was travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area.
The Air Force said it has immediately activated a search and rescue operation in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
In a statement, Ejodame said:
“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.
The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”
The NAF did not disclose the number of people on board the aircraft or confirm whether there were casualties as rescue efforts continued.
Further details are expected as the search and rescue operation progresses.
