The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, had military personnel and some members of their families on board, according to the DHQ.
The Defence Headquarters described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, extending condolences to the families and loved ones of those involved.
The DHQ also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces community.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the crash site, with the Nigerian Air Force working alongside other military services and emergency response agencies.
The Defence Headquarters said an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the crash, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
While the rescue operation continues, the military appealed to the public to avoid speculation and rely on official information regarding the incident.
The DHQ also urged members of the public and the media to respect the privacy of the affected families as military and emergency agencies continue with their operations.
