NAF Lowers Water Level At Ondo Crash Site After 14 Days Of Recovery Efforts

The aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in a swampy mangrove area in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said continuous pumping had significantly reduced the water level at the crash site, while the recovery team was working to remove most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions.

“Continuous pumping has significantly reduced the water level at the site, with the recovery team working towards removing most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions,” the statement read.

Ejodame said the team was also reinforcing the embankment with sandbags to prevent it from collapsing and maintain stability throughout the dewatering operation.

“Reinforcement of the embankment with sandbags is also ongoing to prevent collapse and maintain stability as dewatering continues,” he said.

The Air Force acknowledged the difficulties confronting the recovery team, noting that the operation required sustained engineering work and continuous water removal under challenging conditions.

“The operation requires sustained engineering and dewatering efforts under challenging conditions, underscoring the scale and complexity of the recovery mission,” the statement added.

The service commended the recovery personnel and partner agencies for their contributions, particularly Hitech Construction Company for its support.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also praised the team for its resilience and professionalism, reiterating the Air Force’s commitment to completing the recovery exercise safely while supporting the ongoing aircraft accident investigation.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the recovery team for its resilience and professionalism, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to completing the operation safely and methodically while supporting the ongoing aircraft accident investigation,” the statement said.

The Air Force expressed sympathy for the families of those who died in the crash, acknowledging the pain and grief they continued to endure.

“The NAF remains deeply conscious of the pain and anguish of the bereaved families and extends its heartfelt condolences to them,” Ejodame said.

It also appreciated the patience and cooperation of the Igbokoda community and the continued support of other stakeholders, promising to provide timely and verified updates as the operation progresses.

“The Service remains committed to sustaining recovery efforts and providing timely, verified updates as the operation progresses,” the statement read.

The crash occurred while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. Air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. on October 5.

The NAF subsequently confirmed that all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.

Recovery operations have been complicated by the swampy and waterlogged terrain where the aircraft went down. The exercise involves the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, emergency responders and other supporting agencies.

Meanwhile, residents of Igbokoda have expressed concerns about the possible environmental impact of the crash, including reports of a strong stench around the site and fears of contamination of the river used by the community for domestic activities and fishing.

The recovery operation is continuing alongside investigations into the cause of the crash, while the authorities work to retrieve the remaining wreckage from the swampy site.