A NAF ATR-42 crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, has triggered a major search-and-rescue operation after the Nigerian Air Force aircraft went down during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Preliminary information from aviation authorities indicates that 32 people were on board the aircraft, including 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The incident happened on Monday, October 5, after air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. The aircraft carried the tail number NGR 931 and was travelling towards Lagos when authorities could no longer establish radio contact with it.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the aircraft later crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda after authorities received information about its location. He also said rescue efforts had begun as officials worked to locate and assist those involved in the incident.
NAF ATR-42 Crash Triggers Search And Rescue
The Nigerian Air Force later identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and confirmed that it was carrying out a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Air Force activated an immediate search-and-rescue operation after the crash and began working with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies at the scene. The operation focused on the area around the Naval Base, where officials located the wreckage.
The crash initially caused confusion because some early reports described the aircraft as a helicopter. However, the Nigerian Air Force later clarified that an ATR-42 aircraft operated by the service was involved in the incident. Premium Times also reported the Air Force’s confirmation of the aircraft type and its Benin-Lagos route.
The location of the crash presented additional challenges for rescuers because the aircraft came down in an area close to a river and swampy terrain. Reports from the scene indicated that emergency personnel continued to search the area as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
Authorities Yet To Confirm Casualty Figures
The number of people who survived the crash remained unclear in the latest official reports. Although some reports have claimed that people died in the incident, authorities had not officially released a confirmed casualty figure at the time of the latest reports.
The Ondo State Police Command also urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information while emergency agencies continued their work at the scene.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has also offered technical assistance following the crash, although the investigation of the military aircraft accident falls under military authority. The bureau said its Flight Safety Laboratory could assist with the analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recordings if the Nigerian Air Force requests its support.
Authorities have not yet established what caused the aircraft to crash. Officials will need to examine the aircraft, flight records and other available evidence before determining whether mechanical problems, weather conditions, human factors or another issue contributed to the accident.
The NAF has said it remains committed to the search-and-rescue effort and will provide further information as officials confirm more details.
For now, the priority remains locating and accounting for everyone who was on board while authorities work to secure the crash site and establish what happened during the aircraft’s final moments.
Blitzedia will continue to monitor the situation and update this report when the Nigerian Air Force or other relevant authorities release verified information about the casualties, rescue operation and cause of the crash.