The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Thursday led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigation efforts following Monday’s crash involving a NAF ATR 42 aircraft.

The aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area on Monday, killing personnel and passengers on board.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

At the crash site, Aneke expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, commending the deceased for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.

He assured the affected families and the public that the NAF remained fully committed to a professional, transparent and thorough investigation of the incident.

Aneke said all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined, stressing that it was too early to determine the cause of the crash.

“It will be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, as all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination can be made,” he said.

The CAS also cautioned against speculation, noting that search, recovery and investigative activities were still ongoing.

He commended NAF personnel and other agencies involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism, while assuring the families of the deceased of the continued support of the service.

The Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery operations were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.

Ebiowe said the crash site remained secured, while recovered items and other evidence were being properly documented and preserved for the investigation.

He reiterated that no conclusion could be reached on the cause of the accident until the investigation was completed.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains deeply grateful for the support and cooperation of all government agencies, security and emergency-response organisations, local authorities, host communities and members of the public,” he said.

He added that the NAF was focused on completing the recovery operation, preserving evidence and supporting a comprehensive investigation, while providing appropriate assistance to the families of those who died in the crash.

Aneke also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his guidance and leadership during the incident.