Nigeria Launches Search and Rescue After Military Aircraft Carrying 32 People Crashes in Ondo State

Nigeria has launched a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation following the crash of a military aircraft carrying thirty-two people in Ondo state, located in the southwestern region of the country. The incident occurred on Monday when the plane disappeared from radar screens while en route from Benin to Lagos. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the wreckage of the aircraft has been located near a naval base in Igbokoda. He stated in a social media post that rescue teams have been deployed to the site and that operations are currently ongoing.

The Nigerian Air Force identified the downed aircraft as an ATR-42-500 model engaged in a routine flight. According to preliminary information provided by Keyamo, there were twenty-five passengers and seven crew members on board. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane at 09:13 local time, which corresponds to 0813 GMT. Subsequent attempts to re-establish radio communication with the aircraft were unsuccessful, prompting the immediate launch of emergency protocols.

Keyamo emphasized the government’s commitment to the recovery effort, noting that he had spoken directly with Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. The Aviation Ministry pledged its total cooperation and assistance to support the military’s rescue operations. Authorities have not yet released any official confirmation regarding casualties or the extent of damage to the fuselage, leaving the exact status of those on board uncertain.

The crash has drawn attention to aviation safety within the region, though no specific cause for the accident has been determined at this stage. The location of the wreckage near the naval base in Igbokoda has facilitated the deployment of ground and aerial rescue units. Officials continue to monitor the situation as they work to recover the victims and investigate the circumstances leading to the loss of contact.

This event marks a significant disruption in domestic air travel routes between Benin and Lagos. The Nigerian military is coordinating closely with civilian aviation authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident. As of now, the focus remains on the rescue efforts and the identification of the deceased and injured.

This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.