The Ondo State Government has initiated a recovery operation involving swamp buggies to assist in locating the wreckage of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, a town in the Ilaje Local Government Area. The aircraft, which was on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos, went down on October 5, 2026, approximately 500 meters east of the Nigerian Naval base in Igbokoda.

Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, confirmed the deployment of the swamp buggies during a press briefing at the crash site. He explained that the aircraft had sunk deep into the swamp, making it challenging for rescue teams to access the wreckage using conventional vehicles or boats. Ajaka highlighted the significance of the swamp buggies, stating, "The swamp buggies are necessary because they can navigate the difficult terrain where the aircraft has gone down."

The aircraft was reported to have been carrying a total of 32 individuals, comprising 25 passengers and 7 crew members. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the pilots skillfully diverted the aircraft away from populated areas, which potentially prevented a larger disaster in the community. Ajaka emphasized the bravery of the pilots, stating that their actions likely saved many lives.

Since the crash, search and rescue operations have been ongoing, with the involvement of state government officials, security agencies, and local authorities. Ajaka mentioned that the Ministry of Health has been actively participating in the rescue efforts, alongside environmental safety officers and local government representatives.

"We have been on the ground since yesterday, coordinating with the military and local agencies to ensure a thorough recovery operation," he said. The commissioner also noted that divers are currently working at the crash site, attempting to recover parts of the aircraft and any potential victims. As of now, no major bodies have been recovered, but efforts continue to excavate deeper into the swamp.

Ajaka expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force, describing the incident as a tragic event. He stated, "We commiserate with the Nigerian Air Force and all Nigerians affected by this incident. We pray that such tragedies do not occur again in our country."

The crash has prompted President Bola Tinubu to extend his sympathies to the victims' families and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The recovery operation remains a priority for the Ondo State Government as they work diligently to bring closure to the affected families and the nation.