A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people reportedly on board.

The aircraft, an ATR-42, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed on Monday while operating a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.

The incident was initially reported by a community leader in Igbokoda, who confirmed that a helicopter had gone down in the area but said residents were still trying to determine the exact location of the crash and obtain further information.

The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed the incident, stating that an immediate search-and-rescue operation had been activated following the crash.

According to the NAF, the aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue teams, working alongside relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, were subsequently deployed to the area.

The NAF said efforts were ongoing to locate and assist those involved in the incident, with additional information expected as the operation progresses.

Aircraft Lost Contact With Air Traffic Controllers

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the crash and provided further details about the incident.

According to the minister, the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at approximately 9:13 a.m.

The aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when repeated attempts to establish radio communication with the crew were unsuccessful.

Information received later indicated that the aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where the wreckage was subsequently located.

Preliminary information showed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of people aboard the aircraft to 32.

As of the time of the report, authorities had not released details concerning the condition or identities of the passengers and crew, as search-and-rescue operations were still underway.

Ministry Pledges Support for Rescue Operation

Keyamo explained that military aviation operations fall outside the regulatory control of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Despite this, the minister said his ministry was in contact with the Nigerian Air Force and had engaged the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, over the incident.

The ministry has pledged its cooperation and assistance to the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the crash, including information about the occupants and the circumstances surrounding the accident, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.