-
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed deep concern over the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, and offered technical expertise and assistance to support the ongoing national search and rescue operation.
-
The crashed NAF aircraft, identified as NGR931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday.
-
Preliminary information released by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members (32 people in all), were aboard the aircraft.
-
The NCAA said military aviation operations remain outside its regulatory and operational mandate, but stressed its readiness to work with relevant authorities and agencies under established national emergency response protocols to support efforts to rescue those involved.
October 5, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has offered technical assistance to support the ongoing search and rescue operation following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The authority expressed deep concern over the incident involving NAF aircraft NGR931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
It subsequently activated a search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The NCAA, in a statement by its Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said it was deeply saddened by the development and extended its thoughts and prayers to the NAF personnel, occupants of the aircraft, their families and everyone affected by the incident.
The authority said it was closely monitoring developments and remained prepared to contribute to the national response.
NCAA Offers Technical Support
While acknowledging that military aviation operations fall outside its regulatory oversight and operational mandate, the NCAA said it would not stand aside in the face of the emergency.
The authority said it was ready to provide whatever technical expertise and assistance might be required to support the search and rescue operation.
The NCAA also said it would continue to cooperate with relevant authorities and agencies in accordance with established national emergency response protocols.
The authority expressed solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and others directly affected by the crash, while hoping that the ongoing operation would produce a positive outcome. It also prayed for the safety and successful rescue of all those involved.
READ ALSO:
32 People Reportedly on Board
The NCAA’s statement followed confirmation by Keyamo that approximately 32 people were on board the military aircraft.
According to the minister, preliminary information indicated that the occupants comprised 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. He said all attempts to raise the aircraft by radio were unsuccessful before subsequent information confirmed that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The wreckage was subsequently located, with search and rescue operations launched.
The minister did not announce any casualty figure or provide the identities of those aboard the aircraft, as rescue efforts were still ongoing.
NAF Confirms Crash, Launches Rescue Operation
The NAF, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
Ejodame said the Air Force had immediately activated a search and rescue operation in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. He said further details would be communicated as the operation progressed.
The crash had earlier generated uncertainty in Igbokoda, with initial reports describing the aircraft as a helicopter and the exact number of occupants unknown.
Subsequent statements from the NAF and the Aviation Ministry established that the aircraft belonged to the Nigerian Air Force and that 32 people were believed to have been aboard.
Keyamo, while confirming the crash, clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft do not fall within the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development or the NCAA.
He, however, said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The minister said further information would be made available as authorities establish more facts about the incident.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
