• More aircraft components recovered as investigation begins
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed commanders to strengthen oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance standards and aircrew competence following the October 5 crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42-500 aircraft in Ondo State.
Aneke also demanded proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of safety measures, stressing that flight safety remained a shared command responsibility.
He gave the directives during a meeting with branch chiefs, air officers commanding, principal staff officers and other senior commanders in Abuja, as search and recovery operations continued at the accident site in Igbokoda.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said Aneke charged commanders to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.
The air chief said substantial resources had been invested in personnel training, aircraft spares and maintenance to support airworthiness and operational readiness. He called for sustained vigilance, strict adherence to established procedures and continuous improvement in safety management.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of personnel aboard the aircraft, identified as NAF 931, Aneke acknowledged the grief of the bereaved families and the wider NAF community.
He stressed that operational effectiveness must be underpinned by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety, while reaffirming the service’s commitment to personnel safety and institutional accountability.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal E. O. E. Ebiowe, said recovery operations had involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to enable personnel to access relevant areas of the crash site.
The operations have received support from 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).
Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
According to the statement, the investigation board has commenced a systematic examination of available evidence, technical information and relevant records to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Aneke directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The NAF urged the public to avoid speculation, saying the cause of the crash would be established through the investigative process.
It also pledged continued support for affected families and the implementation of appropriate safety recommendations arising from the findings, with the protection of personnel and the integrity of future air operations as its overriding priorities.