Toyyibat Qasim
The Nigerian Air Force has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the ATR-42 military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The recovery, which marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the fatal accident, came about a month after the aircraft plunged into a swamp near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026.
The Nigerian Air Force disclosed the development on Friday, saying its technical team, working alongside officials of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), had confirmed that the recovered cockpit voice recorder was intact.
The recovery is expected to provide investigators with potentially crucial information about conversations and communications within the cockpit before the aircraft went down.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
Ejodame said that, apart from the cockpit voice recorder, a portion of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), popularly known as the black box, had also been recovered.
He, however, explained that the search for the remaining portion of the flight data recorder was still ongoing.
The NAF spokesman added that additional wreckage, engine components and human remains had been retrieved from the crash site, while recovery operations continued in the challenging swamp environment.
He said, “Operations are ongoing in challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate necessary technical examinations.”
The Air Force maintained that the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure that its eventual findings were comprehensive and evidence-based.
The recovery of the cockpit voice recorder is particularly significant as investigators seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, including what transpired inside the aircraft shortly before it crashed.
The October 5 accident involved an ATR-42 aircraft reportedly undertaking a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp near the naval facility in Igbokoda.All 25 occupants of the aircraft were reported dead.
The recovery operation has been complicated by the difficult terrain, with the aircraft reportedly breaking into two on impact and its main fuselage becoming submerged in the swamp.
The challenging conditions initially hampered efforts to retrieve the victims’ remains and critical aircraft components, prompting a prolonged search involving military and aviation safety officials.
Ejodame further disclosed that the recovery process included special arrangements for the proper handling and identification of human remains.
According to him, the Directorate of Identification and Classification is undertaking the necessary procedures to ensure that the recovered remains are properly identified.
He added that the NAF had maintained contact with the families of the victims, acknowledging their need for information and support as the investigation progresses.
The Air Force also said it was engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by members of the host community following the crash.
Appealing for patience, Ejodame said the recovery and investigation processes required time, careful coordination and professional attention.
He said the ultimate objective was not only to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy but also to identify lessons that could strengthen flight safety, improve military air operations and protect the lives of personnel and civilians.
The NAF has yet to announce a timeline for the completion of the recovery exercise or the release of the final investigation findings.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
'