NAF CHIEF ORDERS STRICTER FLIGHT SAFETY OVERSIGHT AFTER FATAL ATR 42 CRASH

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has ordered stricter flight safety oversight across the Nigerian Air Force following the fatal crash involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, on October 5, 2026.

Aneke gave the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, principal staff officers and other senior commanders, stressing the need for strict adherence to operational procedures, professional discipline and continuous improvement in safety management.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the directive reaffirmed the service’s commitment to personnel safety, professional standards and institutional accountability following the tragedy.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of personnel, the air chief acknowledged the grief of the bereaved families and the wider NAF community.

He stressed that operational effectiveness must be supported by sound judgment, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety.

Consequently, Aneke directed commanders to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.

He also called for proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of safety measures, describing flight safety as a shared command responsibility.

The Chief of the Air Staff further highlighted investments in personnel training, aircraft spare parts and maintenance to support airworthiness and operational readiness.

Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the crash site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, are continuing with specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies.

The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, said the operation had involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to facilitate access to relevant areas of the site.

The statement added that 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, had supported the operation.

Additional aircraft components have also been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.

The investigation board constituted to probe the crash has commenced work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident through 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 members of the public to avoid speculation, stressing that the cause of the accident would be established through the investigative process.

“The NAF urges the public to avoid speculation, as the cause of the accident will be established through the investigative process,” the statement said.

The service also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation.

It added that protecting personnel and safeguarding the integrity of future air operations remained its overriding priorities.