BY: OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families of those involved in an accident involving an ATR-42 military 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, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
The Air Force has activated search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
In a statement signed by its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the NSIB said it was ready to provide technical assistance if formally requested by the Nigerian Air Force.
Such assistance, it said, could include deploying investigators and using its Flight Safety Laboratory to recover, read and analyse flight recorder data.
However, the NSIB clarified that because the aircraft involved was a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force.
“The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force,” it said.
The bureau also commended the swift activation of search and rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at the accident site.
It urged members of the public to rely only on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.
The NSIB said it would issue further comments only when appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force.
The bureau extended its condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of all those on board, while expressing solidarity with the search and rescue teams working at the site.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
