The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially confirmed ownership of the aircraft which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo state.
Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesman, said the aircraft was on a “routine mission” when it crashed in the wee hours of Monday.
In a statement, Ehimen said a rescue operation is underway.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026,” the statement reads.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who also confirmed the crash said 32 people were on board.
Keyamo, in a statement, said the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, disappeared while en route from Benin to Lagos at about 9:13 a.m.
He said air traffic controllers alerted authorities after attempts to establish radio contact with the aircraft failed.
According to the minister, subsequent information confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with the wreckage already located.
He said search and rescue operations were ongoing.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board,” Keyamo said.
The minister clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft are outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He, however, said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s “total cooperation and assistance” in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” he added.
