Military Aircraft With 32 Aboard Crashes in Ondo, Rescue Underway

A Nigerian military aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with search-and-rescue operations underway.

The aircraft, identified by the Nigerian Air Force as an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda. He said the wreckage had been located and that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing.

25 Passengers, Seven Crew Members on Board

According to preliminary information released by the Aviation Minister, 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft, bringing the total number of people on board to 32.

The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed the accident and said it had immediately activated a search-and-rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

As of the latest official reports, authorities had not yet released a confirmed casualty figure or the condition of those on board.

Crash Site Near Naval Base

The aircraft disappeared from radar after departing Benin, prompting attempts by air traffic controllers to re-establish communication. Those efforts were unsuccessful before authorities received confirmation that the aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

The location is in a swampy area, adding challenges to the ongoing rescue operation. Emergency agencies and military personnel are working to reach the crash site and establish the condition of everyone aboard.

The Ondo State Police Command has urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities Await Further Information

Keyamo said the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority do not regulate military aircraft but that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry's cooperation and assistance with the rescue efforts.

Further details, including the condition of the passengers and crew and the circumstances that led to the crash, are expected as the search-and-rescue operation progresses.

Eziokwubundu.com will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as confirmed information becomes available.

Important headline correction

Although early reports described the incident as a helicopter crash, the Nigerian Air Force has identified the aircraft as an ATR-42. For accuracy, the publication headline should therefore use “military aircraft” rather than “military helicopter.”