Odita Sunday 
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.
The Air Force also said it had intensified search and recovery operations following the tragic incident, while pledging to support the bereaved families and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed sustained search and recovery efforts alongside a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe is coordinating the wider investigation and recovery response, while Air Vice Marshal F.O. Ankeli heads the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
The 12-member board comprises specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other relevant technical fields.
It also includes representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to strengthen technical collaboration and ensure a thorough and objective investigation.
The board is mandated to examine the operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors that may have contributed to the accident.
It will also systematically examine, document and preserve relevant evidence to establish the facts and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
The Air Force said the investigation would follow established aviation safety procedures, stressing that conclusions on the cause of the accident would be premature until the process had been completed.
The board will further assess the emergency response, including search and rescue operations, medical assistance, recovery efforts and the management of the accident site.
It is expected to make evidence-based recommendations to address any identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and minimise the possibility of similar incidents in the future.
Beyond the investigation, the NAF said it had established a dedicated helpline at its headquarters, under the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, to provide the recorded next of kin of those affected with timely information and clarification.
Administrative arrangements have also been activated, including meetings with affected families and other support measures aimed at assisting them through the period of grief.
The Air Force expressed condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues and others affected by the tragedy, assuring them of its commitment to providing appropriate assistance.
It also acknowledged public interest in the incident, promising to release verified updates while protecting sensitive investigative information and preserving the integrity of the proceedings.
The Service reaffirmed that search and recovery operations and the investigation remained priorities under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff.
It said the process would be conducted with diligence, compassion, accountability and professionalism, adding that appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation would be implemented.
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