By A1NEWS
IGBOKODA, Ondo State — October 6, 2026 — The Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police have commenced a search and recovery mission at the crash site of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft that went down in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Recovery Teams Move in as Officials Restrict Access to Crash Scene
According to officials on the ground, the recovery effort follows the crash of an NAF aircraft carrying 25 people—20 passengers and five crew members—who reportedly died in the incident.
A1NEWS findings from the scene indicate that the search is being coordinated jointly by the Nigerian Navy, the Marine Police, and local community personnel, as authorities work to locate bodies and aircraft debris.
Investigations and recovery are underway despite difficult terrain around the swamp where the wreckage was reported to have submerged shortly after impact.
Police Commissioner Confirms No Survivors
Speaking to journalists at the crash site, Ondo State Police Commissioner Felix Ohuagwu, who led a team from the Command to assess the situation, said officers were responding to what he described as a tragic incident with no survivors.
The CP said state marine police officers have been collaborating with the Navy and residents to recover the remains of the victims and pieces of the aircraft wreckage.
Locals Say They Heard Loud Explosion Before Aircraft Sunk
Residents and nearby residents told reporters that they were first alerted by a loud sound believed to have preceded the crash.
Witnesses said the aircraft reportedly plunged into the swamp and did not surface, limiting immediate rescue chances and confirming that there were no survivors.
Nigerian Navy Restricts Movement as Families and Sympathisers Troop In
Meanwhile, A1NEWS reports that the Nigerian Navy has restricted movement around the crash area.
This measure, officials said, is intended to ensure safety, protect the integrity of the investigation zone, and allow search teams to operate without interference as residents and sympathisers continue to gather near the site.
NAF Releases Names of Victims as Condolences Pour In
In a statement issued on Monday, the Nigerian Air Force released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who lost their lives.
The NAF also said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, extended condolences to the families of the victims and affirmed that the Service remains committed to supporting those affected.
Chief of the Air Staff Orders Comprehensive Investigation
The Air Force said Air Marshal Aneke described the incident as deeply painful, urging the public to avoid speculation and refrain from spreading unverified information.
Authorities stated that a comprehensive investigation has been directed to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF further promised timely and verified updates as the probe progresses, while calling for respect for the privacy and dignity of grieving families.
As Nigerian Navy and Marine Police teams continue recovery efforts in Igbokoda, Ondo State, attention now turns to the ongoing investigation ordered by the Nigerian Air Force.
With officials stressing that there were no survivors, the focus remains on recovering bodies, documenting wreckage, and determining the root cause of the crash.
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