The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that the aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday belonged to the service, as search and rescue operations continued at the crash site.

 The ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred on October 5, 2026, according to the NAF.

 The confirmation followed an earlier announcement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, that a military aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.

 In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, said an immediate search and rescue operation had been launched in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

“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 said.

 Ejodame said the aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and assist those on board.

“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.”

 The Air Force did not disclose the number of casualties or provide details on the condition of those aboard the aircraft.

 However, Keyamo had earlier disclosed that preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, putting the total number of people aboard at 32.

 In a statement issued by the ministry on Monday, Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, identified by the tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13 a.m.

“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, en route Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” he said.

 Keyamo later confirmed that the aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that the wreckage had been located.

 “Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.

 The minister noted that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority do not exercise regulatory authority over military aircraft.

 He added that he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and assured the Nigerian Air Force of the ministry’s cooperation and assistance in the ongoing rescue operation.

 Authorities are expected to provide further information on the incident, including the condition of those on board and the circumstances surrounding the crash, as search and rescue efforts continue.