Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 Crash Claims 25 Lives

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported a series of aviation mishaps over the past decade, with at least 16 incidents identified. The most recent and severe incident occurred on 5 October 2026, when an ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed near the naval base at Igbokoda, Ondo State, during a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos, resulting in the deaths of all 25 individuals on board, including 20 passengers and five crew members.

As of 10 October 2026, the cause of the crash had not been officially determined, prompting an investigation. Other recent incidents included a precautionary landing of an NAF helicopter in Benue State and an emergency involving an Alpha Jet at NAF Base Kainji on 6 December 2025, where both pilots ejected safely.

Previous incidents included the crash of an FT-7NI training aircraft in Makurdi on 14 July 2023 and an Mi-171E helicopter mishap on 14 August 2023. In 2022, a Super Mushshak trainer aircraft crash resulted in the deaths of two flight lieutenants.

A joint investigation by the NAF and Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau produced an interim report with initial findings and safety recommendations.