NAF Chief Orders Stronger Flight Safety Measures After NAF 931 Aircraft Accident
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen flight safety oversight following the accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft NAF 931 on October 5, 2026.
Aneke gave the directive on Wednesday, October 14, during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Principal Staff Officers and other senior commanders.
He emphasised the need for strict compliance with established safety procedures, continuous monitoring and improved safety management to prevent future incidents.
The Air Chief, who expressed profound sorrow over the loss of personnel in the accident, acknowledged the grief of the bereaved families and the entire NAF community.
He stressed that operational effectiveness must be supported by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety.
Consequently, he directed commanders to strengthen 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, noting that flight safety remains a shared responsibility among commanders.
The CAS further highlighted the significant resources already committed to personnel training, aircraft spare parts and maintenance to ensure airworthiness and operational readiness.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the crash site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, are continuing with the deployment of specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies.
The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, disclosed that the operation had involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to gain access to relevant areas of the site.
He said 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 (NSIB), had supported the recovery efforts.
Additional aircraft components have also been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
The investigation board constituted to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced work, with 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 NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation, stressing that the cause of the accident would be determined through the ongoing investigative process.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation, noting that personnel protection and the integrity of future air operations remain its priorities.
