NAF ATR-42 was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact; fate of occupants remains unconfirmed

IGBOKODA, ONDO STATE — A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 military aircraft has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people on board, in a major aviation emergency that has triggered an ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

The aircraft was reportedly carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it went down while travelling from Benin to Lagos on what was described as a routine mission.

Air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026. The wreckage was later located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, an area known for difficult, swampy terrain.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crash and said it had immediately activated a search-and-rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency-response agencies.

Fate of occupants still unclear

Conflicting reports have emerged over the fate of those aboard the aircraft.

While some unofficial accounts have claimed that all 32 occupants were killed, authorities had not officially confirmed any fatalities at the time of reporting.

Rescue teams were still working at the crash site as efforts continued to determine the condition and whereabouts of everyone who was on board.

The uncertainty has heightened anxiety among families and communities awaiting official information about their loved ones.

Cause of crash yet to be established

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

Authorities are expected to begin a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the aircraft's final moments before communication was lost.

Investigators will likely examine the aircraft's flight data, communications with air traffic control, weather conditions and other operational factors as part of efforts to establish what happened.

For now, the priority remains the search-and-rescue operation and accounting for all 32 people aboard.

The crash has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, with emergency agencies, security personnel and military authorities converging on the Igbokoda area.

Officials are expected to release further information as rescue operations continue and verified details become available.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as authorities confirm more information.