The Ondo State Government has deployed swamp buggies to assist in the search and recovery of victims and wreckage from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Key Highlights
- Ondo Government deploys swamp buggies to aid the NAF crash recovery operation.
- The aircraft reportedly sank deep into the swamp after crashing in Igbokoda.
- Divers have commenced operations and are recovering parts of the aircraft.
- The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
- President Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the crash.
Swamp Buggies Deployed for NAF Crash Recovery
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, disclosed this on Tuesday at the crash site, explaining that the aircraft had sunk deep into the swamp, making access difficult for conventional rescue vehicles and boats.
Ajaka said the aircraft came down about 500 metres east of the Nigerian Naval Base in Igbokoda after the pilots reportedly diverted it away from the community.
According to the commissioner, the pilots’ action may have prevented a more devastating impact on the Igbokoda community.
He said the search and recovery operation had been ongoing since Monday, involving the Ondo State Government, security agencies, local authorities, emergency responders and other relevant personnel.
Ajaka explained that the swamp buggies were deployed because the difficult terrain made it impossible for ordinary rescue vehicles and speedboats to reach the location where the aircraft had sunk.
“The swamp buggies, you can see two of them here now,” Ajaka said, explaining that the specialised equipment would be used to navigate the swamp and reach the depth where the aircraft wreckage was located.
Divers Recover Aircraft Parts
The commissioner said divers had commenced operations at the crash site and were recovering parts of the aircraft.
However, he said no major body had been recovered at the time of his briefing.
Ajaka explained that rescuers would need to excavate deeper into the swamp to reach the main wreckage and recover the victims.
He described the incident as a tragic development and commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, the victims’ families and the people of Ondo State.
Read also:
- Newlywed NAF Pilot Among 25 Killed In Ondo Air Force Crash
- Tinubu Declares Three Days Mourning After NAF Plane Crash Kills 32 in Ondo
- NAF Confirms ATR-42 Aircraft Crash in Ondo, Launches Search and Rescue Operation
Officials Coordinate Recovery Operation
The commissioner also disclosed that the Commissioner for Environment, senior military officers and other officials were at the scene coordinating the recovery operation with naval and Air Force authorities.
The aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, crashed into the swampy area of Igbokoda on Monday, October 5, 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
Contact with air traffic controllers was reportedly lost at about 9:13 a.m. before the crash.
Tinubu Orders Investigation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Ondo State Government said the search and recovery operation would continue until the victims and aircraft wreckage are fully recovered.
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