The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from its aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The recovery marks a major development in efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the October 5 crash.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced the development in a statement on Friday, November 6.
He said technical teams from the NAF and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the recovered recorder remained intact.
The teams also recovered part of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box. However, efforts to locate its remaining portion are still ongoing.
NAF recovers more aircraft wreckage
Ejodame said recovery teams had retrieved additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains.
He explained that the operation remained difficult because of the challenging swamp terrain.
Teams are still working to recover outstanding aircraft components for detailed technical examinations.
The NAF said investigators were conducting a thorough assessment to establish evidence-based findings.
It added that the Directorate of Identification and Classification was handling procedures to identify the recovered human remains.
Air Force maintains contact with victims’ families
The Air Force also confirmed that it remained in contact with the victims’ families.
According to Ejodame, the service understands their need for information and support during the recovery process.
The NAF is also engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by residents of the host community.
It appealed to the public to remain patient while recovery and investigation activities continue.
The Air Force said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. It also aims to identify lessons that could improve flight safety and protect military personnel and civilians.
What happened in the Ondo aircraft crash?
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed into a swamp near Igbokoda on October 5, 2026.
The aircraft was travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 am.
All 25 people aboard died. They comprised 20 passengers and five crew members.
The difficult swamp terrain initially complicated recovery efforts. The military and other agencies later deployed specialised equipment to support the operation.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
Investigators will now examine the recovered cockpit voice recorder and other evidence to establish what happened before the aircraft crashed.
