Nigerian Air Force lowers water level at Igbokoda crash site as 14‑day recovery effort continues

Background On 5 October 2026 an ATR 42‑500 aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force, registration NAF 931, crashed in a mangrove swamp in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The crash left the wreckage submerged in water, prompting a complex recovery operation that began shortly after the incident.

Progress after fourteen days By 19 October, the Air Force announced that the dewatering phase had entered its fourteenth day. According to a statement from Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF headquarters, continuous pumping operations have markedly lowered the water level at the site. The statement added that the recovery team was working to remove the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions.

Engineering measures In addition to pumping, the recovery effort includes reinforcing the embankment surrounding the crash area with sandbags. This measure is intended to prevent collapse of the banks and to maintain stability while water is being extracted. The Air Force described the operation as requiring sustained engineering and dewatering work under challenging conditions, highlighting the scale and complexity of the task.

Support from partners and leadership The service acknowledged the contributions of partner agencies, specifically naming Hitech Construction Company for its role in supporting the dewatering and embankment reinforcement. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, also praised the recovery personnel for their resilience and professionalism, reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to completing the operation safely and methodically.

Ongoing investigation and community response Recovery activities are proceeding alongside an official investigation into the cause of the crash. The Air Force expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and recognised the anguish caused by the tragedy. It also thanked the Igbokoda community for its patience and cooperation, and noted continued support from other stakeholders as the operation moves forward.

Outlook The Air Force indicated that dewatering will continue until most of the water is removed, after which further steps to recover the aircraft and any remaining evidence can be undertaken. Updates are expected to be provided as the situation develops, with the aim of delivering verified information to the public and the families affected.