JUST IN: Air Chief Leads NAF Search, Recovery Operation, Assures Families of Thorough Probe
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Wednesday led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigation efforts following the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
A statement by the NAF said Aneke visited the accident site on October 8, 2026, where he expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the incident.
He paid tribute to the victims for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation, while assuring their families that the Air Force would conduct a thorough and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to ensuring that the search, recovery and investigative operations were conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.
He commended personnel of the NAF, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Amotekun Corps for their contributions to the ongoing operation.
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Aneke also acknowledged the support provided by Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers, describing their assistance as invaluable to the recovery efforts.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his guidance and leadership during the difficult period.
The CAS assured the affected families and members of the public that all relevant evidence recovered from the crash site would be secured, documented, preserved and subjected to detailed examination as part of the investigation.
He, however, cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the accident, stressing the need to allow the investigation to establish the facts.
The Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery efforts were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
Ebiowe confirmed that the crash site remained secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved.
He said the NAF remained focused on completing the recovery operation, supporting a comprehensive investigation and providing appropriate assistance to the affected families.
The Air Force also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members of the public for their continued support and cooperation throughout the search and recovery operation.
By PRNigeria
