The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State., which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft crashed on October 5, 2026, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, with five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The NAF disclosed the latest development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who said the recovery marked significant progress in the ongoing search and investigation into the accident.
According to him, technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder was intact.
Ejodame also disclosed that part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly known as the black box, had been retrieved, while efforts were ongoing to locate and recover the remaining portion.
He added that additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had also been recovered from the crash site.
The NAF spokesperson noted that recovery operations were continuing despite the difficult swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components for further technical examination.
He assured that the investigation was being conducted with diligence and professionalism to ensure that its findings would be comprehensive and based on verifiable evidence.
Ejodame further explained that the recovery exercise involved the careful handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification (DIC) carrying out necessary procedures to ensure their proper identification.
He said the Air Force had maintained contact with the families of the victims, acknowledging their need for timely information and support throughout the investigation.
The spokesperson also said the NAF was engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by residents of the host community as part of efforts to address issues arising from the crash.
He appealed to the public and affected families to remain patient, stressing that the recovery and investigative processes required time, proper coordination and professional attention.
According to him, the objective of the investigation goes beyond establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash, as its findings would also help strengthen aviation safety, improve ongoing air operations and protect the lives of military personnel and members of the public.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to providing verified updates as the recovery exercise and investigation progress.
