By George Ozalla

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed deep concern over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, offering technical expertise and assistance to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.

The aircraft, identified as NAF NGR931, was an ATR-42 on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently activated a search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

In a statement issued by the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, the Authority expressed its sympathy to personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the occupants of the aircraft, their families and all others affected by the incident.

The NCAA said it was closely monitoring developments and remained prepared to contribute to the national response to the incident.

The Authority, however, clarified that military aviation operations fall outside its regulatory oversight and operational mandate.

Despite this, the NCAA said it was ready to provide technical expertise and whatever assistance might be required to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

The Authority also said it would continue to work with relevant government authorities and agencies in accordance with established national emergency response protocols.

The NCAA expressed solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and everyone directly affected by the incident, while maintaining hope for a positive outcome from the rescue operation.

“Accordingly, the NCAA stands ready to provide such technical expertise and assistance as may be required to support the ongoing search and rescue operations,” Najomo stated.

The Director-General said the Authority remained hopeful for the safety and successful rescue of those involved in the incident.

“At this difficult time, the Authority stands in solidarity with the Nigeria Air Force and all those directly affected by this incident. We remain hopeful for a positive outcome and pray for the safety and successful rescue of all involved,” he said.

The crash occurred close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. The wreckage was subsequently located and search and rescue operations commenced.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft. He also clarified that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA have no regulatory control over military aircraft, while pledging the Ministry’s cooperation and assistance to the Chief of Air Staff and the ongoing rescue operation.

The NAF has said further information on the incident would be communicated as the search and rescue operation progresses.