Aviation Minister Announces Military Aircraft Accident As NAF Activates Search, Rescue
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has disclosed that a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931 has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, after disappearing from radar while travelling from Benin to Lagos.
Keyamo said in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026 that preliminary information indicates 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.
According to Keyamo, Air Traffic Controllers informed him that the military aircraft disappeared after departing Benin and travelling towards Lagos at 0913 hours. Efforts to establish radio contact with the aircraft were unsuccessful before information later confirmed that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. Subsequently information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board,” the statement read in part.
The minister said the wreckage had been located and that search and rescue operations were ongoing, adding that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s cooperation and assistance with the ongoing operation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 5, 2026.
A statement signed by Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame says “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.”
