The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 25 people on board, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

The latest crash adds to a record of military aviation incidents involving fighter jets, helicopters, training aircraft and transport planes.

Among the notable incidents was the May 2021 crash of a Nigerian Air Force King Air 350 aircraft in Kaduna, which killed 11 people, including the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.

In February 2021, another King Air aircraft crashed while returning to Abuja after reporting an engine problem. Seven people aboard the aircraft died in the incident.

A Mi-171 helicopter also crashed in Niger State in August 2023 while on a casualty-evacuation mission, killing 11 people. Other military aircraft accidents involving training and operational flights have also been recorded.

The Ondo crash has now placed renewed attention on the condition, maintenance and operational safety of aircraft used by the Nigerian military.

The Defence Headquarters has announced an investigation into the latest incident to determine what caused the aircraft to crash, while recovery operations continue at the difficult swampy terrain where the wreckage was located.

The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, causing panic among residents of the riverine community. Earlier reports had described the aircraft as a helicopter, but the NAF later identified it as an ATR-42 aircraft operating a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the rescue operation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

The Air Force said further details would be released as the operation progresses.

The aircraft reportedly crashed in the Igbokoda area, with earlier reports indicating that the wreckage was located close to the Naval Base. The incident has drawn the attention of security and emergency agencies as efforts continue to establish the condition of those aboard.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, later disclosed that preliminary information indicated 25 passengers and seven crew members, making 32 people on board. He said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos.

The exact number of casualties and the condition of those on board were not immediately confirmed as rescue operations continued.

The Ondo State Police Command also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the accident.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established.

Tinubu gave the directive on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, stressing the need for a unified framework to address the country’s evolving security challenges.

The President appointed his Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa, to coordinate and provide secretariat support for the 11-member committee responsible for developing the strategic defence operations plan.

The committee includes the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

Also on the committee are the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed.

Tinubu said the National Threat Assessment would establish a common understanding of the major threats facing Nigeria, their urgency and the operational objectives required to address them.

He explained that the Strategic Defence Operations Plan would translate the assessment into clear operational priorities, identifying required forces and capabilities, capability gaps, equipment and support needs, as well as an implementation timetable.

The President cited recent security successes, including the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as evidence of what could be achieved through stronger coordination among defence, security and intelligence agencies.

According to him, security requirements are often considered individually without adequate reference to an agreed national threat assessment or unified medium-term strategy, making coordination more difficult and limiting the effective deployment of resources.

Tinubu directed the committee to begin work immediately and submit the completed National Threat Assessment and Strategic Defence Operations Plan within 90 days for his consideration and approval.

Once approved, the plan will serve as the principal framework for coordinating military and defence operations over the medium term and will provide the basis for a corresponding multi-year defence expenditure and procurement plan.

The President also directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser to take all necessary steps to implement the directives immediately.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the new pay package will benefit about 250,000 armed forces personnel across various ranks as part of the administration’s commitment to improving troop welfare and strengthening national security.

Under the new arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Personnel from Colonel to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent raise, while those from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80 per cent.

The revised salary structure will increase the Federal Government’s annual salary bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

He added that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools required to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

The President urged military personnel to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service, expressing confidence that the armed forces would continue to safeguard the nation’s peace and stability.

Piyo made the remarks on Saturday while delivering her welcome address at the public presentation of Jang’s photographic autobiography, Airman to Politics: My Witty Life, held as part of activities marking his 80th birthday celebration at the Tamarald Event Centre along Old Airport Road, Jos.

The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, retired military officers, family members, associates and admirers from across the country.

The Deputy Governor thanked God for preserving the elder statesman to celebrate the milestone, describing the occasion as more than a birthday celebration but a historic moment to honour a leader whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Plateau State and Nigeria.

She said the autobiography offers present and future generations the opportunity to learn from Jang’s journey, which she described as one marked by sacrifice, discipline, courage and visionary leadership.

Piyo recalled that Jang began his public service in the Nigerian Air Force before serving as Military Governor of Benue and Gongola states, where she said he demonstrated discipline and laid foundations that continued to influence governance years after his tenure.

She added that Jang later transitioned into democratic governance as Governor of Plateau State, leaving behind enduring legacies in infrastructure development, institutional reforms, peace-building and people-centred policies.

The Deputy Governor described the former governor as a political institution whose greatest achievement lies in mentoring and producing generations of leaders across Plateau State.

She noted that many serving and former public office holders attribute their political growth to Jang’s leadership and guidance.

Piyo also praised the former governor’s integrity, saying his reputation was built on honesty, conviction and a commitment to justice, peace and the common good.

She further described Jang as a devoted Christian whose faith has guided his personal life and leadership, sustaining him through both successes and challenges.