CAS Orders Stronger Flight Safety After Ondo Crash

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has ordered stronger flight security oversight throughout the Nigerian Air Force (NAF),following the tragic accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 plane NAF 931 on 5 October 2026.

An announcement by the NAF Spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame stated the directive reaffirm the Service’s dedication to personnel security, skilled requirements and institutional accountability

Air Marshal Aneke gave directive throughout a gathering with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Principal Staff Officers and different senior commanders on Wednesday 14 October 2026 in Abuja.

According to him, the Air Chief emphasised the necessity for sustained vigilance, strict adherence to established procedures and steady enchancment in security administration.

Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged the grief of the bereaved households and the whole NAF group, stressing that operational effectiveness should be underpinned by sound judgement, skilled self-discipline and the best requirements of flight security.

“Accordingly, he directed commanders to take care of rigorous oversight of plane airworthiness, upkeep high quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence.

He additionally emphasised proactive security monitoring, immediate reporting of potential hazards and efficient implementation of security measures, noting that flight security stays a shared command duty,” he stated.

The CAS additional highlighted {that a} substantial quantity of assets has already been invested in personnel coaching, plane spares and upkeep assets to assist airworthiness and operational readiness.

Providing replace on the continued search, the assertion famous that search and restoration operations on the accident web site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, proceed with the involvement of specialist personnel and gear from related companies.

He famous that the Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, revealed that the operation has concerned in depth mud excavation and water pumping to facilitate entry to related areas.
“Satellite-based search and rescue imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have supported the effort. Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes,” he added.

The assertion additionally acknowledged that the constituted investigation board has commenced work to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident via a scientific examination of obtainable proof, technical info and related data.

“The CAS has directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation,” he stated.

He due to this fact, urged members of the general public to keep away from hypothesis, as the reason for the accident shall be established via the investigative course of.

He reiterated that the Service stays dedicated to supporting affected households and implementing applicable security suggestions arising from the investigation’s findings, with the safety of personnel and the integrity of future air operations as overriding priorities.