The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it had intensified efforts in support of ongoing search and recovery operations following the tragic accident involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on 5 October 2026.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the service had convened a specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, determine its causes and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
He said that, in furtherance of this commitment, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
“Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, is coordinating the wider response, while Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli serves as President of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board. This arrangement ensures a coordinated approach to recovery operations alongside a structured, specialist investigation into the circumstances of the accident,” the statement said.
The statement said the 12-member board comprised experienced personnel with specialist expertise in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other relevant technical disciplines.
It added that the board also included representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), bringing additional civilian aviation expertise to the process.
According to the statement, the board’s multidisciplinary composition was intended to support a thorough, objective and credible investigation guided by established aviation safety procedures.