By: Khadijat Yusuf
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, today, 8 October 2026, led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts following the accident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
At the site, the CAS expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives, paying tribute to their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to ensuring that the ongoing response is conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence. He commended the dedication and professionalism of NAF personnel and other stakeholders involved in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers, whose support has been invaluable to the efforts.
The CAS assured the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public that NAF leadership remains fully engaged in the recovery and investigation process. He stressed that all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined, noting that the circumstances surrounding the accident would be subjected to a thorough and professional investigation in accordance with established procedures.
Air Marshal Aneke further emphasised that search, recovery and investigative activities remain ongoing and cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the accident. He noted that it would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, as all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination can be made.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability, while assuring the affected families of the Service’s continued support. He also used the opportunity to thank the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership during these challenging times.
Providing an operational update, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, stated that recovery efforts are progressing in close coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
He confirmed that the accident site remains secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence are being properly documented and preserved to support the ongoing investigation. He reiterated that no conclusion on the cause of the accident can be made until the investigation is concluded.
The Nigerian Air Force remains deeply grateful for the support and cooperation of all government agencies, security and emergency-response organisations, local authorities, host communities and members of the public.
The Service remains focused on completing the recovery operation, preserving all relevant evidence and supporting a comprehensive and professional investigation, while continuing to provide appropriate support to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
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