A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 military aircraft crashed in Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria on October 5, 2026, during a flight from Benin City to Lagos.
Initial reports stated that 32 people were on board, including 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, was reportedly carrying out a routine military mission when the accident occurred.
Aircraft Lost Radar Contact
According to Nigerian Minister of Aeronautics and Space Development Festus Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost radar contact with the aircraft at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time.
Attempts were reportedly made to re-establish radio communication with the aircraft, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
The aircraft was later located in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, near a naval base.
Wreckage Found Near Igbokoda
After the aircraft disappeared from radar and communication could not be restored, authorities began searching the surrounding area.
The wreckage was eventually discovered near Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched following the discovery.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that an ATR-42 aircraft was involved in the accident and said that search and rescue efforts were being conducted in coordination with relevant government agencies and emergency response teams.
32 People Reported on Board
Initial information provided by Minister Festus Keyamo indicated that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on the aircraft.
However, authorities had not initially released confirmed information about casualties or injuries.
The Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Aeronautics and Space Development had not provided a definitive casualty figure in their initial statements.
The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed that a plane crash had occurred near Igbokoda and said that details of the incident were still being clarified.
Nigerian Air Force Confirms ATR-42 Crash
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Air Force Public Affairs and Information, confirmed the aircraft involved was an ATR-42.
According to the Air Force, the aircraft was travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission when the accident occurred.
Search and rescue teams were deployed to the crash area as authorities worked to establish what happened.
Investigation Expected to Follow
At the time of the initial reports, authorities were still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The loss of radar and radio contact, the location of the wreckage and the aircraft's final moments are expected to form part of the investigation.
Further official information is expected as Nigerian authorities continue their search, rescue and assessment operations.
What We Know So Far
- Aircraft: ATR-42
- Operator: Nigerian Air Force
- Tail number: NGR 931
- Date of crash: October 5, 2026
- Route: Benin City to Lagos
- Location: Near Igbokoda, Ondo State, Nigeria
- People reportedly on board: 32
- Passengers: 25
- Crew: 7
- Radar contact lost: Approximately 9:13 a.m. local time
- Search and rescue: Underway
- Confirmed casualties: Not officially stated in the initial reports
Authorities Continue Search and Rescue Operations
The crash has prompted a coordinated response involving the Nigerian Air Force, government agencies, emergency response teams and local authorities.
As officials continue to investigate the accident, more information about the aircraft, the circumstances of the crash and the condition of those on board is expected to emerge.
For now, authorities have confirmed the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 crash near Igbokoda in Ondo State, while casualty information remains subject to official confirmation.
