Nigerian Navy deploys ‘sonar’ to locate Nigerian Airforce crashed aircraft in Ondo

The Nigerian Navy has deployed specialised sonar equipment to locate a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that became submerged after crashing in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The deployment followed an assessment of the crash site by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and the Air Officer Commanding, NAF Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh. The Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base Igbokoda, Navy Captain Andy Alemongwa, said poor underwater visibility in the swamp had made the equipment necessary.

He said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, directed the Navy’s Hydrographic Department to conduct an underwater survey to map the site and establish the aircraft’s precise location. The findings would guide divers and technical personnel involved in the multi-agency recovery operation. “The operation is also being supported by Nigerian Navy divers and NAF drone pilots conducting searches across the surrounding mangrove and forested areas,” Alemongwa said.

The visiting commanders travelled by boat to the crash site, where they assessed the terrain and provided technical guidance on accelerating recovery efforts. Mustapha conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the service chiefs to the Ondo State Government, host communities, emergency agencies and other stakeholders assisting the operation.

He urged those involved to remain calm and continue cooperating with the recovery teams. The naval commander also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Hi-Tech and AUC Construction for providing mechanised equipment. A swamp buggy is expected to support excavation and movement through the difficult terrain. Mustapha inspected its launching point and urged the technical crew to intensify recovery efforts.

He said military formations, emergency response agencies, security organisations and technical personnel were participating in the operation. “The agencies are working to locate, access and recover the submerged aircraft and its contents from the riverine terrain,” he added.