The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered stricter flight safety checks across its commands following the October 5, 2026, crash involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery operations and investigations into the accident continue.
Key Highlights
- NAF orders stricter flight safety oversight following the NAF 931 aircraft crash.
- Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directs commanders to strengthen aircraft maintenance and airworthiness checks.
- Recovery teams continue operations at the crash site in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
- Investigators are examining evidence, aircraft components and technical records to establish the cause of the accident.
- NAF directs personnel to preserve evidence and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The directive was announced in a press release signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Aneke issued the directive during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, principal staff officers and other senior commanders on Wednesday.
He called for strict compliance with established procedures, continuous safety monitoring and stronger safety management across the Service.
The air chief also expressed sorrow over the loss of personnel in the crash, acknowledging the grief of their families and the wider Nigerian Air Force community.
He stressed that operational effectiveness must be supported by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety.
NAF Strengthens Aircraft Maintenance and Safety Oversight
Following the crash, Aneke directed commanders to strengthen oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.
He also emphasised proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and the effective implementation of safety measures, describing flight safety as a shared responsibility across the command structure.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Air Force has invested substantial resources in personnel training, aircraft spare parts and maintenance to support airworthiness and operational readiness.
The new directive is intended to reinforce compliance with safety procedures and improve oversight of flight operations across NAF commands.
Recovery Operations Continue at Igbokoda Crash Site
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the crash site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, are continuing with specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies.
The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said the operation had involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to gain access to relevant areas.
Satellite-based search and rescue imagery has supported the operation, alongside assistance from the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The statement added that additional aircraft components had been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
The recovery effort forms part of the broader process to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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Investigation Board Begins Probe into NAF 931 Crash
The investigation board constituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced work, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
The board is examining available evidence, technical information and relevant records to establish what led to the crash.
Aneke has directed the relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Air Force urged members of the public to avoid speculation, stressing that the cause of the accident would be established through the formal investigative process.
It also pledged to support affected families and implement appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation.
The Service said protecting personnel and preserving the integrity of future air operations remained its overriding priorities.
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