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NAF intensifies search and recovery operations following the fatal crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda in Ondo State.
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12-member specialist board begins investigation into what caused the October 5 accident.
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NCAA, NSIB experts join military team to ensure independent technical input
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Air Force opens direct support channel for bereaved families, warns against premature conclusions
October 13, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified search and recovery operations following the fatal crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda in Ondo State, while constituting a 12-member specialist investigation board to determine what caused the October 5 accident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ordered the sustained recovery operation and a comprehensive investigation as the military seeks to establish the operational, technical, environmental and human circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, is coordinating the broader response to the accident.
Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli has meanwhile been appointed President of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board charged with conducting a specialist examination of the crash.
According to the Air Force, the arrangement is designed to ensure that search and recovery operations proceed simultaneously with a structured investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The 12-member board comprises personnel with expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering and maintenance, medical services and other technical disciplines.
Significantly, representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are also members of the investigation team, bringing civilian aviation safety expertise into the probe.
The NAF said the multidisciplinary composition of the board was intended to guarantee a thorough, objective and credible investigation conducted in accordance with established aviation safety procedures.
“The Board is mandated to examine relevant operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the accident,” the statement said.
It added that investigators would systematically examine, document and preserve relevant evidence in an effort to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
Beyond determining why NAF 931 went down, the board will scrutinise the emergency response to the accident, including search-and-rescue operations, medical intervention, recovery efforts and management of the crash site.
Its findings are expected to form the basis for recommendations aimed at correcting any deficiencies uncovered during the investigation and strengthening aviation safety across the Air Force.
The NAF, however, cautioned against speculation over the cause of the crash, stressing that any conclusion before completion of the technical investigation would be premature.
It said sensitive information would also be protected to preserve the integrity of the investigation, while verified information would be released to the public as the process progresses.
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Support For Bereaved Families
The Air Force said it had also activated measures to support families affected by the tragedy, including establishing a direct help line at its headquarters through the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
According to the Service, the channel will allow recorded next of kin to obtain information and clarification directly from the authorities as the recovery and investigation continue.
Administrative arrangements have equally been initiated for meetings with affected families and the provision of other forms of assistance.
“The NAF remains committed to supporting the bereaved families through this difficult period,” Ejodame said, adding that the Service recognised the “profound grief and emotional distress” caused by the accident.
The Air Force also extended condolences to the families, colleagues and others affected by the crash.
Background
The ATR-42, with service number NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026, at Igbokoda in the Ilaje area of Ondo State while on a flight from Benin to Lagos.
The military aircraft was carrying personnel when the accident occurred near Igbokoda, triggering a major emergency response and search operation by military and other relevant authorities.
Initial information surrounding the number of people aboard the aircraft varied in the immediate aftermath of the accident. The NAF subsequently clarified that 25 persons — five crew members and 20 passengers — were on board.
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