A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, in the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2026, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, according to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information.
The crash site is in a swampy terrain opposite a naval base (Forward Operating Base) in the riverine community of Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje LGA.
“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 NAF statement said.
“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.”
Initial reports from residents and local officials described the incident as a helicopter crash, with several people feared dead. Ilaje Local Government Chairman Maurice Oripelaye confirmed an aircraft went down in the swampy area and said military gear was recovered from the scene. He noted the wreckage had been extensively damaged by fire, making it difficult to immediately determine how many people were on board.
The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh said details were still emerging and urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud sound resembling thunder amid rainfall, followed by smoke rising from the crash site near a forested area close to the naval facility. Residents gathered as security personnel, including naval and other emergency teams, secured the area and began response efforts.
As of the latest available information, authorities have not released the number of people on board, confirmed casualties, or any details on survivors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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The ATR-42 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used by the Nigerian Air Force for various missions. Igbokoda, a coastal and oil-producing community, frequently sees air traffic related to security and logistics operations in the area.
Further updates are expected as search and rescue operations continue and official assessments of the wreckage progress.
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