Keyamo Confirms Military Aircraft Crash in Ondo, Says Wreckage Located, Rescue Operation Underway
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the crash of a military aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, saying search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Keyamo disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, after the aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, reportedly lost radio contact while en route from Benin to Lagos.
He stated that air traffic controllers were informed of the aircraft’s disappearance at about 9:13 a.m. after repeated attempts to establish radio contact with the aircraft proved unsuccessful.
According to him, subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, adding that the wreckage had been located.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing,” the Minister said.
Preliminary information indicates that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, bringing the reported number of people aboard to 32.
Keyamo noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He, however, affirmed that he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry’s “total cooperation and assistance” in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
He added that further information on the incident would be made available as it emerges.
