The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing 25 people.

The Air Force said the recovered device, which forms part of the aircraft’s black box, would assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the October 5 accident.

In a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said recovery operations were continuing, with additional wreckage and engine components also retrieved from the crash site.

The NAF 931 aircraft crashed into the Igbokoda swamps while on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos. All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the incident.

Ejodame said the Air Force was working to retrieve the remaining aircraft components for detailed technical examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

He added that the Directorate of Identification and Classification was handling the recovered human remains to ensure proper identification.

According to him, the Air Force has maintained contact with the victims’ families, providing updates and support, while also engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.

The spokesperson said the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure that its findings were comprehensive and evidence-based.

He appealed for patience, noting that the recovery and investigative processes required careful coordination and professional attention.

The NAF said the investigation would help establish the cause of the crash and provide lessons to strengthen aviation safety and protect personnel and civilians.