The Nigerian Navy and Marine Police have commenced efforts to recover the remains of victims and the wreckage of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed into a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda on Monday morning while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people were on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, who visited the crash site with other officers, said there were no survivors. He explained that Marine Police personnel were working alongside the Navy and local residents as efforts continued to recover the victims and aircraft wreckage.

The difficult terrain has complicated recovery operations, with the aircraft submerged in the swamp. Authorities have continued to deploy personnel and equipment to the area as they work to retrieve the wreckage and remains.

Residents who spoke about the incident said they were alerted by a loud noise when the aircraft went down. Some locals subsequently moved towards the crash area, but the swampy conditions made it difficult to reach the aircraft and assist those on board.

Meanwhile, the Navy has restricted movement around the crash site as residents and sympathisers continued to gather in the area. The restriction is aimed at securing the location and allowing recovery operations to proceed without interference.

The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash and said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The service also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.