The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft marked NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, was a 16-year-old ATR-42-500MP maritime patrol aircraft delivered to Nigeria in 2010.
The aircraft was reportedly acquired under a $73 million contract signed in March 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and delivered three years later, during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
According to reports by Military Africa, the aircraft spent almost three years on the ground in Germany before returning to Nigeria in late December 2024. Images from the period reportedly showed the aircraft with its right engine removed.
The reason for the prolonged stay in Germany has not been officially explained.
Since its induction into the Nigerian Air Force, NAF 931 has reportedly been operated by the 81 Air Maritime Group in Benin, Edo State, and has also been deployed for military operations, including counter-insurgency missions.
The aircraft was also involved in other military transportation duties in recent times, including the airlifting of Nigerian Air Force Military School students for resumption in different countries in April and September 2026.
It would be recalled that that aircraft with 32 passengers on board, including 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The aircraft crashed in a swamp, near Nigeria Navy (Forward Operating Base) in Igbokoda around 11:00 a:m on Monday.
It has also been confirmed by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s that no survivor found at the crash site of the 16-year-old aircraft.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding Monday’s crash, including the aircraft’s mission remained unclear until the Nigeria Air Force begin and concluded its investigations.