The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has ordered stricter flight safety checks across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as investigations and search and recovery operations continue following the October 5 crash involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Aneke gave the directive on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Principal Staff Officers and other senior commanders, where he emphasised strict adherence to established procedures, aircraft airworthiness and improved safety management.
According to an official statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the CAS reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to personnel safety, professional standards and institutional accountability following the tragic accident.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of personnel, Aneke acknowledged the grief of bereaved families and the entire NAF community, stressing that operational effectiveness must be underpinned by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety.
He directed commanders to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.
The Air Chief also called for proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of safety measures, noting that flight safety remained a shared responsibility across the command structure.
He added that substantial resources had been invested in personnel training, aircraft spares and maintenance resources to support airworthiness and operational readiness.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the accident site in Igbokoda are continuing with the involvement of specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies.
The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, disclosed that the operation had involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to facilitate access to relevant areas of the crash site.
He said satellite-based search and rescue imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), had supported the recovery efforts.
Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
The investigation board constituted to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident has also commenced work, undertaking a systematic examination of available evidence, technical information and relevant records.
Aneke has directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Nigerian Air Force urged the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the crash, stating that the circumstances surrounding the accident would be established through the formal investigative process.
The Service reiterated its commitment to supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation, stressing that personnel protection and the integrity of future air operations remain overriding priorities.
