A military aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026, killing 32 people onboard. The plane, an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the incident, clarifying the aircraft was not a helicopter as initially reported.
The crash occurred near the Naval Base in the Ilaje Local Government Area. The wreckage was located close to the base, and a search-and-rescue operation was launched immediately. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the crash and stated the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed near the Naval Base.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered an investigation. In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the loss of brave Air Force personnel as a painful moment for Nigeria. The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety and military operations.
The victims included military personnel, their family members, and crew members. The incident highlights the risks associated with military aviation and the need for enhanced safety protocols. The government has pledged to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
