The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says recovery operations at the site of its crashed aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have recorded significant progress following efforts to reduce water levels around the submerged wreckage.
The operation entered its 14th day on Monday, October 19, as recovery teams continued working under difficult conditions to gain better access to the crash site.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said continuous pumping had significantly lowered the water level, with teams working to remove most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions.
The recovery team is also reinforcing the embankment with sandbags to prevent collapse and maintain stability as the dewatering operation continues.
The NAF described the process as technically demanding, requiring sustained engineering work and coordination among the agencies involved.
The aircraft, an ATR 42-500 with registration number NAF 931, crashed in the swampy mangrove area of Igbokoda on October 5 while reportedly travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The Air Force confirmed that all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident. Recovery teams are continuing efforts to access the wreckage and retrieve relevant materials for the ongoing investigation.
The operation involves the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and other supporting agencies.
Specialist divers, pumping equipment and engineering support have been deployed to address the challenges posed by the waterlogged terrain and the aircraft’s position beneath the surface.
The NAF commended the personnel involved in the operation, with special recognition for Hitech Construction Company for supporting the recovery work.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised the team’s commitment and reiterated the service’s determination to conduct the operation safely and methodically.
The Air Force also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and said it remained committed to providing verified updates as recovery efforts continue.
Beyond the recovery operation, residents of Igbokoda have expressed concerns about a strong, unpleasant odour around the crash site and the possibility of contamination affecting local water sources used for domestic activities and fishing.
The concerns have prompted calls for coordinated action to protect public health while recovery work continues.
The Ondo State Government has ordered fumigation around the affected river area and the distribution of emergency water supplies, nose masks and other health kits to residents.
The NAF has also engaged community representatives over their concerns and pledged to work with relevant authorities to address the issues.
Although residents have raised concerns about possible contamination, the extent of any environmental impact has not been established in the reports available.
The reduction in water levels is expected to improve access to the submerged wreckage and support further recovery work. However, the operation remains dependent on site conditions, engineering requirements and personnel safety.
The aircraft accident investigation is also ongoing, with recovered components expected to support the examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities face the dual task of completing the recovery operation while responding to the concerns of grieving families and residents who depend on the surrounding environment for their livelihoods.