NSIB declines direct investigation of Ondo NAF crash without military invitation - Punch Newspapers
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has said it will not investigate the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, unless formally invited by the military authority. In a statement on Monday, the NSIB said the occurrence involved a military aircraft and, therefore, fell outside its statutory mandate. “This occurrence involves a military aircraft,” the bureau said, stressing that under the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, and established international practice, military aviation accidents are investigated by the military authority. PUNCH Online reports that the aircraft was involved in an accident on Monday while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the incident and activated search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The bureau, in its statement, explained that its position was not a refusal to assist, but a recognition of the legal responsibility assigned to the military. “The NSIB does not investigate military accidents unless formally invited to do so by that authority,” it said. The bureau, however, said it was prepared to provide technical assistance if requested by the Nigerian Air Force. NAF confirms crashed military aircraft in Ondo UPDATED: Military aircraft crashed near Ondo naval base, 32 on board – Keyamo Many feared dead as helicopter crashes in Ondo Such assistance, it said, could include deploying investigators and using its Flight Safety Laboratory to recover and analyse flight data and cockpit voice recordings, alongside other technical support. The NSIB also expressed sympathy for those affected by the crash, extending its condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those on board. “Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site,” the bureau said. The bureau further commended first responders and other agencies involved in the rescue effort at Igbokoda, while urging the public to rely only on official information from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the operation and any subsequent investigation. The bureau said any further information from its end would be released only when appropriate and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force. Olasunkanmi Akinlotan Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.
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