Thirty-two people died when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 plunged into a swamp near Igbokoda, Ondo state, Monday morning. The twin-engine turboprop, designated NAF 931, vanished from radar at 9:13 a.m. local time while en route from Benin City to Lagos. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft shortly after departure, and wreckage was later recovered from the waterlogged terrain.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the plane was configured for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo identified the specific aircraft as NAF 931, one of two such models operated by the 81 Air Maritime Group based in Benin City. These aircraft, equipped with search radar and electro-optical sensors, primarily monitor Nigeria’s maritime domain but have also seen deployment in northeastern counter-insurgency operations.
President Bola Tinubu ordered a full investigation into the crash, directing the Air Force to determine the cause of the accident. The presidency stated that most of the 32 victims were military personnel, though specific identities have not been released. This incident marks a significant operational loss for a force that relies on these assets for border security and intelligence gathering.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the release of the investigation report. Searches for additional debris or potential witnesses near the Igbokoda swamp continue, while the 81 Air Maritime Group has suspended operations pending safety reviews.