A Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin 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 the incident, saying the aircraft was subsequently confirmed to have crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
According to the minister, preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 32.
The wreckage of the aircraft has been located, while search and rescue operations involving relevant authorities and emergency response agencies are ongoing.
The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
At the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially disclosed the number of casualties or the condition of those on board.
The cause of the crash has also not been established.
The incident initially generated reports that a helicopter had crashed in the Igbokoda area. However, subsequent confirmation from the Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42.
The Ondo State Police Command has appealed to residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information as rescue and other emergency operations continue.
Further details are expected from the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant authorities.
