By David Oluwatosin
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has visited Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative operations following the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
Aneke led senior Nigerian Air Force officials to the accident site on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as efforts continued to recover relevant materials and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During the visit, the Air Chief expressed condolences to the families of 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 ensuring that the recovery operation and subsequent investigation were conducted with professionalism, coordination and diligence.
The Air Chief also cautioned against speculation over the cause of the accident, assuring the public that all relevant evidence would be secured, documented, preserved and examined as part of a thorough investigation.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the incident through a credible and professional investigative process.
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.
Ebiowe confirmed that the accident site remained secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved for examination.
The development underscores the importance of securing potential evidence at the crash site to support the investigation and help determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
The NAF said its immediate priorities remained the completion of recovery operations, support for affected families and the conduct of a comprehensive investigation.
The Chief of the Air Staff commended Nigerian Air Force personnel and other organisations involved in the search, recovery and response efforts.
READ ALSO: 2027: Presidency, Edo APC slam Amaechi over ‘Mad People’ remark, call him burden on Atiku
Those recognised included 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.
Aneke acknowledged their contributions to the ongoing operation, describing their support as invaluable during the challenging period.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his guidance and leadership following the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that all relevant evidence would be carefully preserved and examined to support the investigation into the crash.
While recovery efforts continue at Igbokoda, the military said it would maintain coordination with relevant stakeholders and provide appropriate support to the families affected by the tragedy.
The NAF also thanked members of the public and other stakeholders for their continued cooperation, stressing the need to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation about the cause of the accident.
The findings of the investigation are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash and inform any necessary measures arising from the inquiry.
