The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has charged commanders to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.
Aneke had also called for proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of safety measures, saying that flight safety remains a shared command responsibility.
The NAF chief, who made the call at a meeting he held with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Principal Staff Officers and other senior commanders in Abuja, said that a substantial amount of resources has already been invested in personnel training, aircraft spares and maintenance resources to support airworthiness and operational readiness.
Aneke, while calling for sustained vigilance, strict adherence to established procedures and continuous improvement in safety management, also called for strengthened flight safety oversight across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to personnel safety, professional standards and institutional accountability following the tragic accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft NAF 931 on 5 October 2026.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, said the NAF chief, while expressing profound sorrow over the loss of personnel, acknowledged the grief of the bereaved families and the entire NAF community. He stressed that operational effectiveness must be underpinned by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the accident site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, continue with the involvement of specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies. The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, disclosed that the operation has involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to facilitate access to relevant areas. Satellite-based search and rescue imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have supported the effort. Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
The constituted investigation board has commenced work to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident through a systematic examination of available evidence, technical information and relevant records. The CAS has directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation. The NAF urges the public to avoid speculation, as the cause of the accident will be established through the investigative process. The Service remains committed to supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation’s findings, with the protection of personnel and the integrity of future air operations as overriding priorities.