NAF Plane Crash: 25 Dead in Ondo as Swampy Terrain Slows Recovery
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says all 25 people on board, five crew members and 20 passengers, died and no survivors have been found. The aircraft, designated NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Key facts so far
According to Channels Television, the aircraft went down at about 9am in a swampy area close to the Naval Base. Residents told the station they heard a loud noise before the plane sank into the swamp.
NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said in a statement that search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into what happened.
Vanguard reports that the 20 passengers included military officers, non-commissioned officers and some family members, according to the manifest NAF released. No cause has been given, and none should be assumed.
Figures have differed. A statement from Vice President Kashim Shettima, as carried by Vanguard, referred to 32 people, and PRNigeria reported preliminary information of 32 on board. The NAF manifest lists 25, which this report uses.
- Crew (5): Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain); Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot); Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot); Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician); Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician).
- Passengers (20): Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye; Flying Officer IM Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini BA; Warrant Officer Nuhu FS; Flight Sergeant James RB; Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI; Sergeant Ani AE; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha AN; Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC; Lance Corporal Eledan GE; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Michael; Sunday Michael; Ukeme David; Gideon Omotola.
Timeline
- Monday, October 5: Crash at about 9am; search and rescue begins.
- Tuesday, October 6: NAF releases manifest of 25.
- Wednesday, October 7: Recovery continues amid difficult terrain.
Recovery efforts and terrain
Vanguard reports that swampy, near-inaccessible terrain has stalled the removal of remains more than 24 hours after the crash. The aircraft is said to be deeply submerged in mangrove swamp, and the black boxes have not yet been recovered.
The Ondo State Police Commissioner told reporters he had to use a canoe to reach the site. He said the command was awaiting heavy equipment from NEMA and other agencies to pull the wreckage from the water.
Channels Television reports that the Navy and Marine Police are working with locals to recover the remains and wreckage, and that movement to the scene has been restricted.
Reactions and the other side
The Defence Headquarters has begun an investigation, saying it follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu. The NAF has urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of affected families.
Ondo State’s Health Commissioner, Dr Banji Ajaka, called the crash a national tragedy and asked residents to wait for verified information.
Vice President Shettima said the Federal Government’s responsibility to the bereaved would not end with condolences. The Senate has postponed its National Security Summit, planned for October 12 and 13, until further notice.
Vanguard reports that some television journalists were arrested by naval authorities for allegedly accessing the site without clearance. No response from the Navy on the arrests appeared in the reports reviewed.
What happens next
Dr Ajaka said swamp buggies and other equipment would be deployed early on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said earlier it would not probe the crash unless the military formally invites it, according to Blueprint. Any official findings or new figures will be added here once confirmed.
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