The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered additional components from its crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search and recovery operations continue at the accident site.
The Air Force disclosed this in a statement published on its official X handle on Wednesday, noting that specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) were working alongside its recovery team to retrieve materials from underwater locations.
The multi-agency operation involves hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the removal of excess water to gain access to areas of interest.
According to the NAF, the teams are working round the clock to recover, document and preserve relevant materials that could assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“Additional aircraft components have been recovered as efforts continue to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation in support of the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, killing all those on board.
Okpebholo Mourns Aburime
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has mourned Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, describing the late pilot as a courageous officer whose death was a painful loss to his family, Edo State and Nigeria.
In a condolence statement issued on Wednesday, the governor said Aburime hailed from Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area, his home community.
Okpebholo expressed sympathy with the deceased’s wife, daughter, parents, colleagues and other family members, as well as residents of Uwessan.
“The death of Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, a proud son of Edo State and an officer of the Nigerian Air Force, is a painful loss to his family, our state and the country,” he said.
The governor described Aburime as a humble and disciplined individual who combined his demanding military career with a determination to further his education.
He recalled that the officer studied Mass Communication at the University of Benin, where he was remembered by classmates as a quiet and gentle man who did not flaunt his military rank.
According to Okpebholo, Aburime continued his studies despite his military responsibilities and sat a make-up examination at the university just days before the fatal crash.
The governor said the officer’s commitment to learning, discipline and public service offered an important lesson to young people in Edo State.
“Aburime showed that a person can carry great responsibility without arrogance,” he said, adding that the officer’s promising future had been cut short by the tragedy.
Okpebholo also extended his condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force, Aburime’s colleagues and coursemates, as well as the families of other personnel who died in the crash.
He urged young people to draw inspiration from the late officer’s dedication to service, education and humility.
Meanwhile, the recovery operation continues as relevant agencies work to retrieve and preserve evidence for the ongoing investigation into the fatal air crash.
