The Defence Headquarters has ordered an investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search and rescue operations continue at the scene.

The aircraft, on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, carried military personnel and some family members, according to the DHQ.

The incident, which occurred near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, has thrown the military community into mourning, with the Defence Headquarters describing the mishap as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the investigation was being conducted in compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, to establish the cause of the accident.

“In compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, an investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident, while Search and Rescue efforts by the NAF in collaboration with sister Services and emergency agencies continue at the site,” the statement said.

Uba said it received the news of the crash with “deep shock” and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of all persons involved.

The DHQ also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces family.

“This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large. Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Uba said.

The military authorities assured Nigerians that the incident would not deter the Armed Forces from carrying out their constitutional responsibility of securing the country.

“The leadership of the Armed Forces wishes to assure all Nigerians that the Armed Forces will remain resolute and committed to our constitutional mandate of securing the nation, despite this painful setback. The sacrifice of our fallen heroes will continue to inspire our service to the nation,” the statement added.

The DHQ also appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the families affected by the incident while official procedures continue.

It said, “We appeal to the general public to refrain from speculation and to respect the privacy of the families affected in this difficult moment while official procedures continue.”

The ATR-42 aircraft type is a twin-engine turboprop commonly used for short-haul passenger, transport and specialised operations. The NAF operates aircraft for a range of missions, including personnel movement, logistics, surveillance and other military assignments.

However, the DHQ statement did not disclose the number of people on board, the extent of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The military said search and rescue operations involving the NAF, sister Services and emergency agencies were ongoing, while the investigation would determine what led to the accident.

The DHQ prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.