Nigerian Air Force Plane Crashes In Ondo As DHQ Launches Search And Rescue

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was reportedly carrying military personnel and some members of their families when the incident occurred during a routine flight from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The DHQ said it received news of the crash with deep shock and immediately activated search-and-rescue operations at the crash site.

The Nigerian Air Force is conducting the rescue operation in collaboration with other branches of the military and relevant emergency response agencies.

The Defence Headquarters also confirmed that an investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the cause of the crash.

The investigation follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered that the circumstances leading to the accident be thoroughly examined.

The military expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the crash, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces.

The DHQ also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation while official search-and-rescue operations and other procedures remain ongoing.

It urged Nigerians to respect the privacy of the affected families as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Defence Headquarters further assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained committed to their constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation despite the setback.