The Chief of Air Staff said the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to completing the recovery operation, supporting a thorough investigation and assisting affected families.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search, recovery and investigative efforts continue following the crash involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
Air Marshal Aneke visited the accident site on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to assess the ongoing operations and meet with personnel involved in the recovery effort.
The CAS expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident, paying tribute to their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to conducting the response with professionalism, coordination and diligence, while commending personnel and agencies involved in the operation.
Among those supporting the search and recovery efforts are the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers.
Air Marshal Aneke also expressed appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership during the response.
The CAS assured the affected families and the wider public that all relevant evidence from the accident site would be secured, documented, preserved and examined as part of a thorough investigation.
He also cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the accident, stressing the importance of allowing the investigation to establish the facts.
The Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery operations were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
According to him, the accident site remains secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence are being properly documented and preserved.
The Nigerian Air Force said it remains focused on completing the recovery operation, supporting a comprehensive investigation and providing appropriate assistance to the affected families.
NAF also thanked stakeholders and members of the public for their continued support and cooperation as the search, recovery and investigation efforts continue.
