AKURE, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that one of its aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State in the early hours of Monday.
The confirmation came from the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who said the aircraft was carrying out a routine mission when the incident occurred.
NAF Launches Rescue Operation
Ejodame, in a statement made available to TheCable, said a rescue operation was underway following the crash.
The Air Force did not immediately provide details about the type of aircraft involved, the nature of the mission or the circumstances that led to the crash.
The incident occurred around the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, although further details about the exact location and extent of the damage were not immediately available.
Casualty Figures Remain Unclear
Reports following the crash indicated that several people aboard the aircraft might have died. However, the Nigerian Air Force had not officially confirmed the number of casualties at the time of the report.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as rescue personnel continue their operations and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The absence of an official casualty figure means earlier reports about possible deaths could not yet be independently confirmed.
Investigation Expected
Military authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash after the immediate rescue operation.
Such an investigation would help determine what happened during the aircraft’s routine mission and establish the factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force has not disclosed whether there were survivors or the extent of injuries among those aboard the aircraft.
More Details Awaited
The crash comes as military aviation operations remain an important component of Nigeria’s security efforts, with the Air Force routinely deploying aircraft for various operational missions.
For now, the NAF has confirmed the crash and the ongoing rescue operation but has withheld further details pending developments.
Authorities are expected to release additional information on the aircraft, personnel involved, casualties and the circumstances of the crash as the rescue operation progresses.
