NAF Begins Evidence Recovery At Igbokoda Crash Site, Rules Out Early Cause Of ATR 42 Accident

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search, recovery and investigation continued following the crash involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.

Aneke, who visited the accident site on October 8, 2026, expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the incident, describing their service and sacrifice to the nation as worthy of recognition.

The CAS said the NAF was committed to conducting the recovery and investigation with professionalism, transparency and diligence, while ensuring that all relevant evidence from the crash site was secured, documented and preserved.

He commended personnel and agencies involved in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers.

Aneke assured the families of the deceased and the wider public that the NAF leadership remained fully engaged in the recovery and investigation process.

He cautioned against speculation over the cause of the crash, stressing that it would be premature to reach any conclusion until all available evidence and relevant factors had been thoroughly examined.

“The circumstances surrounding the accident will be subjected to a thorough and professional investigation in accordance with established procedures,” he said.

The CAS also reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to accountability and continued support for the families affected by the tragedy.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his guidance and leadership during what he described as challenging times.

Providing an operational update, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery operations were progressing in collaboration with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.

Ebiowe confirmed that the accident site remained secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being carefully documented and preserved for the investigation.

He equally stressed that no conclusion could be reached on the cause of the accident until the investigation had been completed.

The NAF said it remained grateful to government agencies, security and emergency-response organisations, local authorities, host communities and members of the public for their support and cooperation.

The Service said its immediate priority remained the completion of the recovery operation, preservation of evidence and conduct of a comprehensive investigation, while providing appropriate support to the families of those who died in the crash.