NAF Deploys Pumps in Desperate Push to Recover Submerged Aircraft After Crash Killed 25

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed multiple pumping machines to drain water around the submerged wreckage of its ATR 42-500 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery teams intensify efforts to reach the main body of the plane that crashed on October 5, killing all 25 people on board.

The operation has been complicated by the depth of the wreckage, heavy mud and difficult underwater terrain in the swampy area of Ilaje Local Government Area, where the aircraft went down during a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, and signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the Air Force described the deployment of pumping equipment as a significant step towards accessing the main wreckage and advancing recovery operations.

The military said the aircraft remained deeply embedded in the riverbed, making it difficult for recovery personnel to reach the submerged sections and retrieve the remaining wreckage safely.

The pumping operation is part of a wider, multi-agency effort involving the NAF, specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The teams have also employed hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search imagery and mud excavation to identify and access areas of interest.

Additional aircraft components have already been recovered, but the authorities have not announced the complete recovery of the main fuselage or all materials required for the ongoing investigation.

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The aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am on October 5.

The NAF subsequently confirmed that all 25 people aboard — five crew members and 20 passengers — died in the accident. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The prolonged recovery operation has also heightened concerns among residents of Igbokoda about the possible environmental impact of the crash site, particularly the safety of local water sources.

Community members have complained about a persistent foul smell around the area, while local leaders have expressed fears that decomposing remains and possible aviation fuel contamination could affect the river system used by residents.

The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, has called for urgent environmental intervention, warning that the river system is connected to a water treatment facility in Aboto, about seven kilometres away.

The concerns have added urgency to calls for the recovery of the remaining wreckage and appropriate environmental checks. However, the extent of any contamination has not been conclusively established in the reports available.

The Air Force said Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme, visited Igbokoda on the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to engage community leaders and residents over their concerns.

During the visit, Ekwueme acknowledged the complaints and assured residents that the NAF would work to address the issues through appropriate channels.

The service also thanked community members for their patience and cooperation as personnel and partner agencies continue working under difficult conditions.

The Chief of the Air Staff has also reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting the families of those who died in the crash.

According to the NAF statement, applicable entitlements, including benevolent funds, scholarships for eligible children and other approved welfare benefits, would be processed for affected families.

The service said it remained in contact with the bereaved families and had established a dedicated helpline at its headquarters to provide information about the incident and available support.

Meanwhile, the recovery teams are expected to continue working to retrieve the remaining wreckage and relevant materials that could help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The NAF pledged to sustain the operation, support affected families and provide verified updates as significant developments emerge.