The Nigerian Air Force has recovered an intact Cockpit Voice Recorder from the site of the fatal ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as investigations into the accident continue.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, November 6, 2026.

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Ejodame said technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had confirmed that the Cockpit Voice Recorder was intact.

He added that part of the Flight Data Recorder, commonly known as the black box, had also been retrieved, while efforts were continuing to locate and recover the remaining portion.

According to him, recovery teams have also retrieved additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains from the accident site.

He explained that operations were continuing in difficult swamp terrain, with personnel working to recover the outstanding aircraft components and facilitate the necessary technical examinations.

The Air Force spokesman said the investigation was being conducted carefully to ensure that its findings were comprehensive and based on available evidence.

He added that the recovery operation included procedures for the proper handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification carrying out necessary steps to establish the identities of victims.

Ejodame also said the NAF had maintained contact with the families of those who died in the crash, acknowledging their need for information and support.

He noted that the military was equally engaging relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by residents of the host community.

While appreciating public interest in the incident, the Air Force appealed for patience, explaining that the recovery and investigation processes required time, coordination and professional attention.

It said the ultimate objective was to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify lessons that could strengthen flight safety and protect military personnel and other citizens.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the accident occurred.

All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.

Air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 am.

Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning as recovery operations continued in the difficult terrain.

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The recovery of the cockpit voice recorder and part of the flight data recorder is expected to provide important evidence for investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the accident.