The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is responsible for investigating the accident involving an ATR-42 military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
In a statement on Monday, Alex Badeh, NSIB director-general (DG) and chief executive officer, said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Badeh said search and rescue operations had been activated and were ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The NSIB chief expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those on board.
“The NSIB stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required,” the statement reads.
“That support can include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
“As this occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force.”
Badeh commended the swift activation of search and rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda.
He urged the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the NAF regarding the rescue operation and investigation.
“Further comment from the Bureau will be issued only as appropriate, and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force,” the NSIB DG added.
A NAF ATR-42 aircraft conveying 25 passengers and seven crew members crashed on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda community.
President Bola Tinubu directed the NAF to commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The president described the incident as a “painful moment” for the country’s armed forces, while commending the NAF for activating a search and rescue operation following the accident.
