KEY POINTS

• The Nigerian Air Force has ordered stricter aircraft airworthiness checks, maintenance reviews and flight safety monitoring after the fatal Igbokoda crash.
• All 25 people aboard the ATR 42-500 aircraft, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, died in the October 5 accident.
• Investigators are examining evidence from the crash site, while recovery teams continue operations and the NAF urges the public to avoid speculation about the cause.

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has ordered stricter aircraft safety checks and maintenance reviews following the crash of an ATR 42-500 aircraft that killed all 25 people on board in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, issued the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, principal staff officers and other senior commanders.

The directive followed the October 5, 2026, crash involving the aircraft, identified by its registration number NAF 931, as the military continues recovery operations and investigates the circumstances surrounding the accident.

According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the measures are intended to strengthen safety management, enforce professional standards and improve accountability throughout the service.

Air Chief Orders Stricter Aircraft Inspections

Aneke directed commanders to strengthen oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality, operational procedures and aircrew competence.

He also called for proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and the effective implementation of measures designed to prevent aviation accidents.

The Air Chief stressed that operational effectiveness must be supported by sound judgement, professional discipline and strict adherence to flight safety standards.

He noted that the Air Force had committed substantial resources to personnel training, aircraft spare parts and maintenance to sustain operational readiness and ensure that aircraft remained fit for service.

However, he emphasised that these investments must be accompanied by rigorous supervision and strict compliance with established procedures.

The NAF said flight safety was a shared responsibility across the command structure, requiring commanders and personnel to remain vigilant and identify potential risks before they resulted in accidents.

The ATR 42-500 aircraft crashed in a swampy area near a naval base in Igbokoda, within the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on the morning of October 5.

The Air Force initially reported that the aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at approximately 9:13 a.m. Subsequent reports indicated that the aircraft had been travelling from Abuja to Lagos.