NAF Air Crash: Reps seek independent probe, audit of military aircraft after fatal crash

The House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the fatal Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash that claimed the lives of some military personnel.

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It also called for a comprehensive audit of military aircraft and their maintenance systems.

The House made the call on Tuesday during plenary after Alhassan Usman (APC, Kano) moved an urgent motion on the incident, urging the federal government to strengthen aircraft maintenance, ensure adequate funding for the military and improve operational safety.

The motion followed the crash in Ondo State, which prompted search-and-rescue operations involving local divers and security agencies. No survivors were reported.

Mr Usman said the loss of military personnel underscored the need for sustained investment in military aviation infrastructure, aircraft maintenance and the logistical support required to keep military aircraft operational and safe.

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force, describing the incident as a painful loss to the country.

Mr Usman raised concerns about inadequate funding, shortages of spare-parts and logistical constraints, warning that these could undermine aircraft maintenance and compromise operational safety.

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He urged the federal government to provide adequate resources for the military and ensure the timely release of approved funds for technical inspections, maintenance and other operational requirements.

Mr Usman also called for a comprehensive review of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and maintenance systems to establish whether the required safety standards and inspection procedures were being followed.

He asked the House committees responsible for the Air Force, aviation and defence to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and conduct an audit of military aircraft to identify safety gaps and recommend corrective measures.

Lawmakers demand independent investigation

Contributing to the debate, Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) supported the motion but called for an independent investigation into the crash, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident required further scrutiny.

“I want to plead that, because of the various claims and counterclaims that have come on the heels of this very important and unfortunate incident, there is a need for us to institute an independent probe,” Mr Ojogo said.

He added that the proposed investigation should not prevent the Nigerian Air Force from conducting its own inquiry.

Mr Ojogo also commended local divers, personnel of the Nigerian Navy at its Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency for their efforts at the crash site.

He said the agencies and local volunteers had made selfless efforts to locate and recover the victims, but no survivors were found.

The lawmaker further said the aircraft crashed near a densely populated part of Igbokoda, suggesting that the pilot’s actions may have prevented greater casualties on the ground.

“We have to give kudos to the pilot of the aircraft,” he said, adding that the crash occurred close to a densely populated community.

Mr Ojogo also backed calls for a comprehensive audit of military aircraft and urged the government to ensure adequate and timely funding for the armed forces.

Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) also supported the motion, describing the crash as a painful reminder of the risks military personnel face while carrying out their duties.

“Everyone lost to the tragedy, not only for the families that have been bereaved by their death, but also for the Nigerian Air Force and our country as a whole,” Mr Benson said.

He extended his condolences to the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the deceased and other personnel affected by the incident.

Mr Benson called for a thorough investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding the crash must be established.

Following the debate, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen referred the motion to the House committees on Air Force, Aviation and Defence for further legislative action.

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The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.

Background to the crash

The crash occurred on 5 October when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft plunged into a swamp in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board, according to a PREMIUM TIMES report published on Tuesday.

A week after the incident, divers and rescue teams were still searching for the victims’ remains and the aircraft’s black box, which could provide investigators with critical information about the circumstances leading to the crash.

The search operation had recovered fragments of the aircraft and human remains, although the impact of the crash and the muddy terrain had made recovery and identification difficult.

The crash also raised concerns about possible water pollution in Igbokoda, where residents rely on the river as a major source of water. A rescue operator reported the presence of aviation fuel and oil in the water around the crash site.