Nigerian Air Force Aircraft Crashes in Ondo State

On October 5, 2026, an ATR-42 aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crashed in Ondo State while traveling from Benin to Lagos, with 32 people on board, including 25 passengers and seven crew members. The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, lost communication with air traffic controllers around 9:13 am before its wreckage was found near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that attempts to contact the crew via radio were unsuccessful prior to the crash confirmation. The NAF activated search-and-rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

Keyamo communicated with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, regarding the incident and assured support from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. While the cause of the crash remains undisclosed, the NAF and the Ministry have not provided a definitive casualty figure as rescue operations continue.