The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified search and recovery operations following the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, had 25 people on board, comprising 22 passengers and three crew members. No survivors have been found, according to the report.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, said the service had established a specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to determine the circumstances and causes of the crash and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, had directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation.
NAF Sets Up 12-Member Investigation Board
According to the statement, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, is coordinating the wider response, while Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli serves as president of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
The 12-member board comprises personnel with specialist expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other relevant technical fields.
Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are also on the board to provide additional civilian aviation expertise.
The NAF said the multidisciplinary team would examine operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Its work will include collecting, documenting and preserving evidence to establish the facts and identify the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
Investigation to Cover Emergency Response
The board will also assess the emergency response, including search and rescue efforts, medical assistance, recovery operations and the management of the accident site.
According to Ejodame, the investigation is expected to produce recommendations to address identified shortcomings, improve aviation safety and prevent similar incidents.
He added that the participation of civilian aviation safety experts would strengthen technical collaboration, professional scrutiny and accountability.
The NAF stressed that conclusions about the cause of the crash would be premature until the investigation had been completed and its findings considered.
NAF Offers Support to Victims’ Families
Ejodame said the Air Force was engaging directly with the victims’ families and providing administrative assistance.
He disclosed that a dedicated helpline had been established at NAF headquarters under the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs to provide recorded next of kin (NOKs) with information and respond to enquiries.
The service has also begun arranging meetings with affected families and putting additional support measures in place to assist them during their period of grief.
“The NAF recognises the public’s legitimate interest in the ongoing process and remains committed to providing appropriate updates as verified information becomes available,” Ejodame said.
He added that the service would protect sensitive investigative information and preserve the integrity of the proceedings while providing responsible updates.
The Air Force said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and guide recommendations aimed at strengthening aviation safety.
