Igbokoda, Nigeria: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the site of its ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with technical teams from the NAF and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirming that the recorder was intact. The recovery was disclosed on Friday, 6 November 2026, by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to the statement, part of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly referred to as the black box, was also retrieved, while efforts to locate and recover its remaining portion continue. Additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains have also been recovered from the accident site.
“Operations are ongoing in challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate necessary technical examinations. Investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings,” Ejodame said.
The NAF also said the recovery operation involved procedures for the proper handling and identification of human remains, with its Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) undertaking the necessary work. The Air Force added that it had maintained engagement with the victims’ families to provide information and support, while coordinating with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.
“While appreciating the public’s concern and interest, NAF appeals for continued patience and understanding as these critical processes require time, careful coordination and professional attention,” the statement said.
It added that the investigation’s objective was to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify lessons to strengthen flight safety and operational procedures.
“The ultimate objective is not only to establish circumstances surrounding the crash, but also to draw necessary lessons to strengthen flight safety, enhance ongoing airpower operations and further safeguard lives of personnel and citizens,” the statement added.
The recovery operation relates to the crash of Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft NAF 931 on 5 October 2026, near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was operating a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed in the swampy area. It was carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, all of whom died.
The recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation. However, the NAF has not announced whether information from the recovered recorder has been extracted or analysed, and no cause of the accident has been established in the latest update.
