Nigerian Air Force Recovers Components from Crash Site

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the recovery of additional components from its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Multi-agency teams, including specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, are engaged in ongoing search and recovery operations at the crash site.

The NAF stated that these efforts involve hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation, and pumping out excess water to access areas of interest. The teams are working continuously to locate and retrieve materials for documentation and preservation to support the investigation into the crash.

Additionally, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed his condolences for the loss of Squadron Leader Mahmoud Aburime, the pilot of the crashed aircraft, who died along with all on board on October 5, 2026. Okpebholo described Aburime as a courageous officer and a painful loss to Nigeria, extending his thoughts and prayers to the deceased's family.