Air Chief Aneke visits Igbokoda crash site, pledges full investigation

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Nigerian Air Force, travelled to Igbokoda in Ondo State on Thursday, October 8, 2026, to inspect the site where an NAF ATR-42 aircraft went down earlier in the week. The visit came as recovery and investigative teams continued work at the location.

Aneke was accompanied by senior NAF officers to assess the state of operations and to meet with personnel involved in the search effort. The aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed on Monday with 32 people on board.

Source reports vary on the precise composition of those aboard: one account lists five crew members and 20 passengers, while another indicates seven crew and 25 passengers. The deceased included serving military personnel and civilians.

At the site, Aneke expressed formal condolences to the families of those who died and committed the Nigerian Air Force to a comprehensive and professional investigation into what caused the accident. In remarks to the families and the public, Aneke stated that the investigation would be conducted at a high level and that the military intended to provide support to bereaved relatives.

He also emphasised that the recovery operation would proceed with appropriate professionalism and coordination. The Chief of the Air Staff described his visit as an opportunity to monitor both the welfare of personnel conducting recovery work and the standards of accountability being maintained during the response to the tragedy.

The Nigerian Air Force Public Affairs office, represented by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, released details of the visit and Aneke's statements. The crash marks a significant loss for the Nigerian Air Force and has drawn immediate attention from the service's highest command.