The Nigerian military has commenced an underwater survey using side-scan sonar equipment to locate the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The sonar operation is aimed at mapping the crash site and determining the exact position of the submerged aircraft to guide divers and technical personnel in the recovery operation.

The equipment was deployed by the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department following a directive by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

The operation is considered necessary because of the turbidity of the swamp, which has made underwater visibility difficult.

Nigerian Navy divers and Nigerian Air Force drone pilots are also using specialised equipment to search the surrounding mangrove and forested areas.

The sonar survey is expected to assist the military in planning the next phase of the recovery operation, including the deployment of a swamp buggy to facilitate excavation in the difficult terrain.

The development followed an assessment visit to the crash site by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh.

The delegation visited the site of the NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NAF 931, which crashed in the area.

The delegation was received at the Officers’ Mess of the Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, by the Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Andy Alemongwa.

Government officials, community leaders, emergency management agencies and other stakeholders were also at the base to express condolences and support for the Armed Forces.

They included the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, the Commissioners for Health and Environment, representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA; State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA; Nigerian Red Cross Society; National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA; and personnel of other security agencies.

Rear Admiral 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 for their support since the crash.

He urged stakeholders to remain calm and continue cooperating with the agencies involved in the recovery operation.

The FOC also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as Hi-Tech and AUC Construction companies, for providing mechanised equipment to support the operation.

The military delegation, accompanied by selected stakeholders, subsequently travelled by boat to the crash site for an on-the-spot assessment of the operation.

They assessed the terrain and provided technical guidance on measures to facilitate the recovery of the submerged aircraft and its contents.

The team also visited the swamp buggy launching point, where Rear Admiral Mustapha interacted with the technical crew and urged them to intensify efforts to ensure the prompt execution of the recovery operation.

The recovery exercise involves the military, emergency response agencies, security organisations, technical personnel and other stakeholders working together to locate and recover the aircraft.

Photos below:

(Vanguard)