Following the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State on October 5, 2026, which resulted in the death of all 25 individuals aboard, calls for a thorough investigation into the safety and maintenance of military aircraft have intensified. Mike Ejiofor, the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies and a former Director of the Department of State Services, expressed deep concern regarding the increasing frequency of such incidents during an interview on Arise News.

Ejiofor highlighted that the crash is part of a worrying trend, noting that there have been over 10 crashes involving military aircraft in the past decade. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive review not only of the immediate causes of the recent crash but also of the overall operational and maintenance practices within the Air Force. "I think it’s becoming one too many—the incidents of air crashes involving the military," he stated, urging authorities to assess the condition and age of the aircraft involved.

The aircraft, which was reportedly carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, crashed under circumstances that are still being investigated. Ejiofor pointed out discrepancies in the initial reports regarding the number of people on board, suggesting that poor record-keeping might have contributed to the confusion. He remarked, "It should have been easier to get the manifest and know the number of people. But you know the way we keep records...there might be more people in the aircraft who were not contained in the manifest."

The terrain where the crash occurred has posed significant challenges for recovery efforts. Ejiofor noted that the difficult landscape has hindered the retrieval of the aircraft's wreckage and the victims, stating that the recovery of the black boxes is crucial for understanding the crash. He remarked, "The terrain is very bad...the pilot managed to avoid areas to reduce the number of casualties at the risk of his own life and the life of others."

In addition to the crash, Ejiofor addressed the implications of the incident on military operations, questioning the purpose of the flight given the number of passengers. He expressed skepticism about whether the aircraft was on a reconnaissance mission, suggesting it might have been misused for transporting individuals unrelated to military operations.

Ejiofor also discussed the broader security context, referencing the recent killing of ISWAP leader Abdussamad Ohida in Ondo State. He described this development as significant, indicating that intelligence had suggested plans for attacks to disrupt upcoming elections. He praised the collaborative efforts of security agencies in preventing further violence but urged for enhanced coordination and intelligence gathering as the nation approaches the election period.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the call for improved safety measures and accountability within Nigeria's military aviation sector remains urgent. The government faces mounting pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not recur, as the safety of military personnel and civilians alike hangs in the balance.