By Asaye Bankole
A military aircraft has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, after reportedly disappearing from radar while travelling from Benin to Lagos.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026.
According to Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, which has the tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13 a.m. after it departed Benin and was heading towards Lagos.
He said attempts by air traffic controllers to establish communication with the aircraft through radio were unsuccessful.
The minister later confirmed that information received from relevant authorities indicated that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The wreckage has since been located, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Preliminary information indicates that 32 people were on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Keyamo said the authorities were working to obtain further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the condition and whereabouts of those on board.
He also clarified that military aircraft are outside the regulatory and operational control of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Despite this, Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and assured the military of the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The minister expressed regret over the incident and said additional information would be made public as it becomes available.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the number of casualties, the condition of those on board and the possible cause of the crash as rescue efforts continue.
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