Nigerian Military Aircraft Carrying 32 Crashes in Ondo

By Adedapo Adesanya

A Nigerian military aircraft carrying ‌25 passengers and seven crew members crashed near a naval base in southwestern ​Ondo State after losing contact ​with air traffic control while en ⁠route to Lagos.

The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, causing panic among residents of the coastal community as emergency responders and relevant authorities moved to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

According to the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, controllers lost contact with the aircraft at 09 a.m. this morning and were unable to re-establish communication before its disappearance was reported.

The minister said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Mr Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal, and pledged the ministry’s cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue operation.

He, however, noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft were outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

On his part, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the crash, saying details were still emerging as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

He urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information, assuring that the public would be informed when credible details became available.

There has been no ⁠immediate confirmation of casualties from the crash.

The crash is one of Nigeria’s worst military aviation ⁠accidents in recent years and is likely to intensify scrutiny of flight ⁠safety and operational readiness as authorities investigate the cause.