The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Ejodame said technical teams from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had confirmed that the recovered cockpit voice recorder was intact.
He added that part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had also been retrieved, while efforts were ongoing to locate and recover the remaining portion.
The Air Force spokesman further disclosed that additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had been recovered from the crash site.
He explained that recovery operations were continuing in the difficult swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components and facilitate the necessary technical examinations.
“Investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings,” he said.
Ejodame said the recovery exercise also involved careful handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification undertaking necessary procedures to ensure proper identification.
He added that the Air Force had maintained contact with the families of the victims to provide relevant information and support, while engaging appropriate authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community.
The NAF appealed for patience and understanding, noting that the recovery and investigation processes required time, careful coordination and professional attention.
It said the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the accident, identifying lessons that could strengthen flight safety and improving operational effectiveness to protect military personnel and civilians.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda, Ondo State, while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.
All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.
Air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13am on the day of the incident.
Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning, while recovery operations continued amid difficult terrain and environmental conditions.
