The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The Air Force also recovered part of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), while efforts are continuing to locate and retrieve the remaining portion.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
Ejodame said technical teams from the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had confirmed that the recovered cockpit voice recorder was intact.
He added that other items recovered from the crash site included aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains.
According to him, recovery operations are ongoing despite the challenging swampy terrain, with technical personnel working to retrieve the remaining aircraft components for further examination.
He said the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure that its findings were comprehensive and supported by available evidence.
On the handling of human remains, the spokesman said the process was being carried out carefully, with the NAF Directorate of Identification and Classification undertaking the necessary procedures to ensure proper identification.
Ejodame further disclosed that the Air Force had maintained contact with the families of the deceased to provide updates and support.
He said discussions were also ongoing with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.
The NAF spokesman appealed to members of the public to exercise patience, noting that the recovery and investigation exercises required time, professional attention and effective coordination.
He said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify lessons that could improve flight safety and protect both military personnel and civilians.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on 5 October 2026 in a swampy area near Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
It was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the accident occurred.
All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.
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