The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has offered technical support to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, following the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The accident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Read also: Matawalle Receives Arab Women Association, Pledges Support
In a statement, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Junior, said the Bureau had received reports of the accident and extended its condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those on board.
Captain Badeh said the NSIB was ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, upon request, with the technical support required to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
He explained that such assistance could include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
Read also: Kyari Condemns Killing of 15 Farmers in Borno
The NSIB noted that because the accident involved a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force.
It said the Bureau would provide assistance only upon a formal request from the Air Force.
The Bureau also commended the swift activation of search-and-rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at the accident site.
Read also: Kano SERVICOM, ROLAC II Strengthen Partnership on Good Governance
The NSIB urged members of the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.
It added that further comments on the incident would be issued only when appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force.