The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed strengthened flight safety oversight across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), reaffirming the Service’s commitment to personnel safety, professional standards and institutional accountability following the tragic accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft NAF 931 on 5 October 2026.
A statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters Nigerian Air Force said the directive was issued during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Principal Staff Officers and other senior commanders on 14 October 2026, where the CAS emphasised the need for sustained vigilance, strict adherence to established procedures and continuous improvement in safety management.
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Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of personnel, Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged the grief of the bereaved families and the entire NAF community. He stressed that operational effectiveness must be underpinned by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety. Accordingly, he directed commanders to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence. He also emphasised proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of safety measures, noting that flight safety remains a shared command responsibility. The CAS further highlighted that a substantial amount of resources has already been invested in personnel training, aircraft spares and maintenance resources to support airworthiness and operational readiness.
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Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the accident site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, continue with the involvement of specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies. The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, disclosed that the operation has involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to facilitate access to relevant areas. Satellite-based search and rescue imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have supported the effort. Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
The constituted investigation board has commenced work to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident through a systematic examination of available evidence, technical information and relevant records. The CAS has directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation. The NAF urges the public to avoid speculation, as the cause of the accident will be established through the investigative process. The Service remains committed to supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation’s findings, with the protection of personnel and the integrity of future air operations as overriding priorities.
