The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Ondo State on Monday reportedly developed an engine fault and underwent overnight repairs in Benin City before departing for Lagos, according to sources cited by SaharaReporters.
The aircraft, registered as NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on October 5, 2026. The Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 people aboard, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died.
The reported technical problem adds a new account of the aircraft’s movements before the accident. Investigators have yet to establish the cause of the crash.
Sources describe Abuja departure and Benin stopover
According to the sources, the aircraft began its journey from Abuja on the Sunday preceding the crash, carrying passengers travelling to Lagos and others scheduled to disembark in Benin City.
They alleged that an engine problem prevented the aircraft from continuing to Lagos after the Benin stopover.
Technicians reportedly worked on the aircraft overnight before it departed on Monday morning.
“The aircraft was then worked upon by technicians in Benin overnight,” a source quoted by SaharaReporters said.
A relative of one of the victims also told the publication that the family had expected the passenger on Sunday but received information that a technical fault had delayed the journey.
According to the relative, the passenger said the aircraft would proceed once it had been cleared to fly.
Air Force account identifies Benin-to-Lagos flight
In its official statement, the Nigerian Air Force described NAF 931 as being on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The sources cited by SaharaReporters argued that this account did not explain the earlier Abuja departure, Benin stopover or alleged overnight repairs.
The reported earlier journey and the officially identified Benin-to-Lagos leg concern different stages of the aircraft’s movements. Whether a technical defect remained after the reported repairs is a matter for the investigation.
SaharaReporters said its attempts to obtain clarification from the Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, resulted in referrals to other public relations personnel. The supplied account contained no substantive Air Force response to the engine-fault allegation.
Contact lost before aircraft crashed near Igbokoda
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo previously said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday after it departed Benin for Lagos.
The wreckage was located in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
On Wednesday, Channels Television reported that Nigerian Navy personnel, Marine Police and local residents were participating in efforts to recover victims’ remains and aircraft wreckage.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohuagwu said the agencies were working together at the site. Access to the area had been restricted.
Aircraft previously underwent maintenance in Germany
A January 2025 report by Military Africa stated that NAF 931 returned to Nigeria in late December 2024 following maintenance at Rheinland Air Service in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
The report placed its departure for Germany in January 2022, indicating a stay of approximately three years. It said the reason for the prolonged maintenance period had not been established.
NAF 931 is a maritime patrol variant of the ATR-42, configured for surveillance and reconnaissance as well as limited transport duties.
SaharaReporters also cited estimates placing the overseas maintenance expenditure between $4.5 million and $7 million. Those figures were presented as industry estimates rather than an officially disclosed contract value or audited expenditure.
The duration or cost of earlier maintenance does not, by itself, establish the cause of the accident.
Investigation ordered as families mourn
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force expressed condolences to the bereaved families and pledged its support.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has also called for a transparent investigation and stronger aviation safety measures, including attention to aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response.
The investigation will determine the circumstances of the accident, including whether the reported engine fault and repairs had any bearing on the fatal flight.
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