The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has expressed condolences following an accident involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, identified as a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42, was said to be on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on 5 October, 2026.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the NSIB said it had received reports of the accident and noted that the Nigerian Air Force had already confirmed the occurrence and activated Search and Rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
“The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them, and with the Search and Rescue teams working at the site,” the Bureau said.
The NSIB, which is responsible for the investigation of civil aviation occurrences, clarified that investigative responsibility for military aircraft rests with the Nigerian Air Force, but said it stands ready to provide technical support if invited.
According to the Bureau, such support could include the deployment of investigators and the use of its Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
“The Bureau stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required,” the statement said, adding that assistance would be provided upon a formal request from the Air Force.
The Bureau commended the swift activation of Search and Rescue efforts and the response of first responders at Igbokoda, while urging the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and on any investigation.
It added that further comment from the Bureau would be issued only as appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force.
