The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a 12-member investigation board to determine the cause of a military aircraft crash that killed everyone on board in Ondo State.

The NAF ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, crashed on 5 October 2026 in Igbokoda, in the south-western part of the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had ordered a comprehensive investigation alongside ongoing search and recovery operations.

Air Vice Marshal FO Ankeli has been appointed president of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, while Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe will coordinate the broader recovery and emergency response team.

Multi-disciplinary inquiry

The panel includes military specialists across aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, engineering, maintenance, and aviation medicine.

To ensure technical depth, the board also incorporates civilian representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The inquiry will evaluate operational, technical, environmental, and human factors, as well as examine the management of the crash site and emergency response protocols.

Support for families and warning against speculation

The military said it has set up a dedicated helpline within the Directorate of Veterans Affairs at its headquarters to provide verified updates and support to the families of the victims.

Addressing growing public interest and demands from lawmakers for an audit of military aircraft, the Air Force cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the disaster.

“Conclusions regarding the cause of the accident would be premature until the investigation is completed and its findings are duly considered,” the NAF said, pledging to release updates as verified findings emerge.