The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigation efforts following the crash involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
During the visit on Thursday, Air Marshal Aneke expressed condolences to the families of military personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the tragic incident, paying tribute to their dedication and service to the nation.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to ensuring that all recovery and investigative activities are conducted with professionalism, diligence and transparency.
He commended the efforts of military personnel and other stakeholders participating in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, community leaders and volunteers.
According to Aneke, NAF leadership remains fully engaged in the search, recovery and investigation process and will ensure that all relevant evidence is properly secured, documented and analysed.
He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the crash would be subjected to a comprehensive investigation in line with established aviation and military procedures.
The Air Chief also cautioned against speculation on the cause of the accident, noting that no conclusion could be drawn until investigators complete their work and all available evidence has been carefully examined.
Reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability, Aneke assured affected families of continued support during the difficult period.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support following the incident.
Providing an update on the operation, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, disclosed that recovery efforts were progressing in collaboration with aviation, security and emergency response agencies.
Ebiowe confirmed that the crash site remains secured while recovered materials and evidence are being preserved to aid the ongoing investigation.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its gratitude to government agencies, emergency responders, host communities and members of the public for their support, assuring that efforts would continue until the recovery operation is completed and a full investigation concluded.
