Nigerian Military Aircraft Crash in Ondo Claims 32 Lives

On October 5, 2026, a Nigerian military aircraft, identified as an ATR-42, crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Preliminary reports indicate that all 32 individuals on board, comprising 25 passengers and 7 crew members, are feared dead.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that Air Traffic Controllers had reported the aircraft disappearing from radar after last communicating at approximately 9:13 AM. Efforts to contact the crew were unsuccessful.

Keyamo confirmed that the wreckage was located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, and search and rescue operations are currently underway. The Nigerian Air Force, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, has initiated immediate search and rescue operations and is collaborating with relevant authorities.

Keyamo also noted that military aviation operations are outside the regulatory control of his ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.