A military aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, after losing communication while en route from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from contact with Air Traffic Controllers at about 9:13 a.m. Monday, with efforts to raise it by radio proving unsuccessful.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo who disclosed the incident, said the aircraft was later confirmed to have crashed near the naval base, where its wreckage was located.
“Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” he said.
He said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board,” he said.
The condition of those aboard was not immediately disclosed as search and rescue operations continued at the crash site.
The minister said the regulation and control of military aircraft were outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He, however, said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s support for the rescue operation.
“I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing,” he said.
The minister said further details on the incident would be released as they become available.
