Ondo: Air Force confirms ownership of crashed aircraft

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially acknowledged that an ATR-42 aircraft, involved in a crash during a routine mission in the Igbokoda region of Ondo State, belongs to the military. Daily Trust had initially reported on the aircraft's crash, which occurred early on Monday, October 5, 2026. NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the incident through a statement.

According to Ejodame, the aircraft was en route from Benin to Lagos when the accident transpired. An immediate Search and Rescue operation was launched in response to the crash, with the NAF coordinating efforts along with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. The statement read, "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." Efforts are currently underway to locate and assist any individuals who may have been impacted by the incident. The NAF remains committed to the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue operations, with further updates to be provided as they become available.