Nigerian Air Force Retrieves Additional Wreckage from Ondo State Crash

Ongoing recovery effort The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that more parts of the ATR 42‑500 aircraft that went down in Igbokoda, Ondo State, have been recovered. The announcement was made in a statement posted on the force’s official X account on Wednesday, and it follows a series of underwater and on‑site searches that began after the crash on 5 October.

Multi‑agency involvement According to the statement, specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy, together with personnel from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, are conducting the underwater work. Their activities are coordinated with the Air Force’s own recovery team and include hydrographic surveys, satellite‑based search‑and‑rescue imagery, excavation of mud, and the removal of excess water to reach submerged debris. The agencies are reported to be operating around the clock to locate and retrieve material that can be documented and preserved for the ongoing investigation.

Context of the crash All occupants of the flight, including Squadron Leader Mahmoud Aburime, the pilot from Edo State, were killed when the aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on 5 October. The incident prompted statements of condolence from regional officials, with the governor of Edo State describing the pilot as a courageous officer and expressing sympathy for his family.

Investigation focus The recovered components are intended to support the technical inquiry into the causes of the accident. By securing additional evidence, investigators aim to piece together the sequence of events that led to the loss of the aircraft. The Air Force emphasised that the documentation of each recovered item is a priority, as it will feed into the final report.

Future steps The recovery operation is expected to continue as long as viable evidence remains at the site. Officials have indicated that the combination of naval diving expertise, satellite imaging and ground‑level excavation will remain central to the effort. No further details on the timeline for concluding the search have been provided.

The coordinated response underscores the Nigerian military’s commitment to thorough accident investigation and highlights the collaborative role of multiple security and safety agencies in managing aviation incidents.