By Augustine Ehikioya and Palma Ileye
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, with 32 people aboard feared dead.
The aircraft, which was reportedly carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the number of people aboard the aircraft in a statement posted on X.
Keyamo said air traffic controllers alerted him after losing contact with the aircraft and efforts to establish communication with the crew proved unsuccessful.
He said the wreckage was subsequently located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, adding that search and rescue operations were immediately launched.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. Subsequently, information confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State,” the minister said.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board”, he added.
Keyamo, however, said the Ministry of Aviation and the civil aviation authorities had no control over military aircraft but assured that his ministry would provide full cooperation and assistance to the Nigerian Air Force and other agencies involved in the rescue operation.
The NAF also confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the service, describing the flight as a “routine mission.”
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was involved in an accident in Igbokoda in the early hours of Monday.
“The Nigerian Air Force has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026,” Ejodame said.
According to him, the aircraft was operating from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
He said that search and rescue operation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The NAF did not confirm the number of casualties or passengers aboard the aircraft.
The aircraft is reportedly configured for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, as well as air maritime missions.
The crash triggered panic among residents of the coastal community, while the Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the incident and said details were still emerging.
Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure as rescue operations continue.
Meanwhile president Bola Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.
The President extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the crash.
He also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences”, he added.
