Nigerian Air Force Aircraft Crash in Ondo State Claims 32 Lives

On October 6, 2026, a Nigerian military aircraft, specifically an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje local government area in Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, resulting in the feared deaths of all 32 individuals on board, comprising 25 passengers and 7 crew members.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, conveyed the president's condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all personnel of the NAF. President Tinubu emphasized the sacrifice of the Air Force personnel in securing Nigeria and directed an immediate and thorough investigation into the crash to prevent future incidents.

He also commended the NAF for initiating a search and rescue operation and acknowledged the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.