A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with search and rescue operations underway.
A Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
The aircraft, identified by the Nigerian Air Force as an ATR-42, was travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am on Monday, October 5.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo later confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that its wreckage had been located. Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
NAF Confirms Aircraft Crash, Activates Rescue Operation
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the incident in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Ejodame said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, adding that the Air Force had activated an immediate search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The development was first confirmed by the Ondo State Police Command, which said details surrounding the incident were still emerging and urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm.
The police also warned members of the public against circulating unverified information while authorities worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Aircraft Lost Contact En Route From Benin To Lagos
According to Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the military aircraft after it departed Benin and was travelling towards Lagos.
Repeated attempts to establish radio contact were unsuccessful before authorities received confirmation that the aircraft had crashed near the Igbokoda Naval Base.
The minister said he had spoken with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s cooperation and assistance with the rescue operation.
The Nigerian Air Force has not disclosed the identities of those on board or provided an official account of their condition.
As of the latest reports, authorities had not confirmed any fatalities, with rescue teams continuing efforts at the crash site.
Crash Site Located In Swampy Area
The crash occurred in a swampy area close to the Naval Base, making access to the site difficult and complicating the initial response.
Reports from Igbokoda said residents were alarmed by the incident as security personnel and emergency responders moved into the area.
The location of the wreckage has since been established, allowing search and rescue teams to begin assessing the site and determining the condition of those who were on board.
Earlier reports had described the aircraft as a suspected military helicopter, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the incident in its initial stages. The Nigerian Air Force later clarified that the aircraft was an ATR-42.
Authorities Await Further Details
The incident has drawn the attention of federal, state and security authorities as rescue operations continue.
Keyamo noted that military aircraft fall outside the regulatory control of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, but said the ministry was ready to support the Nigerian Air Force and other agencies involved in the response.
The Nigerian Air Force has said further details will be communicated as the operation progresses.
For now, the number of people who may have survived the crash and the full extent of the casualties remain unconfirmed as authorities continue their search and rescue efforts.
