NAF ATR-42 Crash in Ondo Claims 25 Lives During Mission

On October 7, 2026, an ATR-42 aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The NAF confirmed that there were 25 individuals on board, including 20 passengers and five crew members, and tragically, there were no survivors.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, although the Aviation Minister initially reported that there were 32 people on board. This incident is part of a series of military aviation accidents involving NAF aircraft in recent years, which have resulted in both fatalities and non-fatal incidents.

Notable past incidents include crashes involving Alpha Jets, Mi-35P helicopters, and Super Mushshak training aircraft, with varying outcomes for the crew involved. The NAF has consistently ordered investigations into these incidents to determine their causes and improve safety.