Crashed NAF aircraft had 32 people onboard, Keyamo confirms

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) aircraft that tragically crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday carried 25 passengers and 7 crew members, as confirmed by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, vanished from radar at approximately 9:13 a.m. after losing communication with air traffic controllers while en route from Benin to Lagos.

Efforts to establish contact proved fruitless, leading to a subsequent retrieval of the wreckage near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Keyamo stated that preliminary reports suggest the presence of 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board. The search and rescue operations are ongoing, with details about the condition and identities of the individuals onboard yet to be disclosed.

Keyamo emphasized that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development's jurisdiction, stating that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and pledged the ministry's complete support and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.