ABUJA, 05 Oct.  (ANA) - A military plane with 32 people on board has crashed in southern Nigeria, with locals saying they have found "body parts".

 

The aircraft was on a routine mission to Lagos when it crashed today in the riverside town of Igbokoda in Ondo state, Nigeria's Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said.

 

The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42, and it was not immediately clear to what extent the aircraft was damaged. There were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board the plane, which came down close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

 

"Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing," said air force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame.

 

Locals said the aircraft crashed near a river and that part of it was sinking in the water.

 

"We heard something like a thunder strike," said Akinbulejo Pius. "The plane cleared some trees. We found some body parts, some clothes and shoes."

 

Keyamo said the aircraft first disappeared from radar at around 9am local time.

 

The Nigerian military has in the past used the ATR-42 for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and for transporting personnel and supplies.

 

Keyamo said the planeleft Benin at 9.13am and that radio contact disappeared before wreckage was found near the naval base.

 

He wrote on X: "I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today.

 

"All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. Subsequently information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

 

"The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing. Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board."

 

President Bola Tinubu described the crash as a "painful moment" for the country.

 

He said: “This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

 

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident..

 

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

 

"I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site."  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/05 October 2026 - - -