The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, assuring the military of its readiness to provide technical assistance if requested.
The accident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, while the aircraft was reportedly conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the occurrence and activated search and rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
In a statement signed by its Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the NSIB commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force, as well as the families and colleagues of those on board.
“Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site”, the Bureau said.
Military Authority To Lead Investigation
The NSIB noted that the aircraft involved was a military aircraft and, under the provisions of the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, responsibility for investigating military aviation accidents rests with the appropriate military authority.
It clarified that the Bureau does not investigate military aviation accidents unless it is formally invited to participate by the relevant military authority.
However, the Bureau said it was prepared to support the Nigerian Air Force should such a request be made.
Such assistance, it explained, could include deploying investigators and making its Flight Safety Laboratory available for the recovery and readout of flight-data and cockpit-voice recordings, alongside other technical support.
NSIB Backs Rescue Efforts
The Bureau commended the Nigerian Air Force for the prompt activation of search and rescue operations, as well as the efforts of first responders at the accident site in Igbokoda.
It also urged members of the public to rely solely on official information from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.
“Further information from the Bureau will be issued only as appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force”, the statement added.
The NSIB is the multimodal transport safety agency responsible for promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents within its statutory mandate, with the aim of determining probable causes and advocating safety improvements.