The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the wreckage of its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Air Force said efforts were ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining portion of the flight data recorder for further examination.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
According to Ejodame, technical teams from the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the recovered cockpit voice recorder was intact.
Other items retrieved from the crash site included aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains.
He explained that recovery operations were continuing despite the difficult swampy terrain, with technical personnel working to retrieve the remaining aircraft components needed for the investigation.
The Air Force spokesman said the investigation was being conducted with due diligence to ensure that its findings were comprehensive and supported by available evidence.
He added that the handling of human remains was being carried out carefully, with the NAF Directorate of Identification and Classification undertaking the necessary procedures to ensure proper identification.
Ejodame also said the Air Force had maintained contact with the families of the deceased to provide updates and support.
He noted that discussions were ongoing with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.
The spokesman appealed to members of the public to remain patient, explaining that the recovery and investigation processes required time, professional attention and coordination.
He said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify lessons that could improve flight safety and protect military personnel and civilians.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on 5 October 2026 in a swampy area near Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
It was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the accident occurred.
