BY SOLOMON ABORISADE
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed stricter flight safety oversight across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following the accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft NAF 931 on 5 October 2026.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the directive was announced following a meeting between the CAS, Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Principal Staff Officers and other senior commanders on 14 October 2026.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed sorrow over the loss of personnel and extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the NAF community. He directed commanders to strengthen oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance, operational procedures and aircrew competence, while ensuring prompt reporting of potential hazards and strict compliance with established safety standards.
The CAS also highlighted investments in personnel training, aircraft spares and maintenance to sustain airworthiness and operational readiness, stressing that flight safety remained a shared command responsibility.Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the accident site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, are ongoing.
The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, said the operation had involved mud excavation and water pumping to access affected areas. Satellite imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as personnel from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have supported the operation.
Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigation.The investigation board has commenced work to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The CAS has directed relevant units to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Nigerian Air Force, however, urged the public to avoid speculation, noting that the findings would inform appropriate safety recommendations to protect personnel and strengthen future air operations.