A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday morning while flying from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.

The plane, identified by tail number NGR 931, lost contact with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m. local time. Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that efforts to reestablish radio contact failed before the wreckage was located.

Preliminary information indicates 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, for a total of 32 people. The Nigerian Air Force activated an immediate search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

The Air Force described the flight as a routine mission. Keyamo said he had spoken with Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and offered the Aviation Ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the rescue efforts.

The crash occurred in a riverine area of Ilaje Local Government Area. Residents initially described the aircraft as a helicopter, but authorities confirmed it was the twin-engine turboprop ATR-42.

No casualties have been confirmed, and authorities said further information would be released as it becomes available. The incident marks another challenge for Nigeria’s military aviation operations.