By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified search and recovery operations following the accident involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.
The Service also announced the constitution of a specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crash.
This was contained in a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe is coordinating the investigation and recovery team, while Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli will serve as president of the Accident Investigation Board.
The 12-member board comprises experienced personnel with expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services, and other technical fields. It also includes representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The board is mandated to examine operational, technical, environmental, human, and organisational factors surrounding the accident, including systematic examination and preservation of evidence to establish the facts and determine immediate and underlying causes.
It will also assess aspects of the emergency response, including search and rescue, medical response, recovery operations, and accident-site management, and make practical recommendations to strengthen aviation safety.
Beyond the operational response, NAF said it remains committed to supporting bereaved families, noting that a direct helpline has been established at its Headquarters within the Directorate of Veterans Affairs for next of kin to access timely information. Administrative processes have also been activated to provide assistance to affected families.
The Air Force extended condolences to the families and colleagues of those affected and assured the public of regular updates as verified information becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigation.
