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A military aircraft carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members has crashed in southern Nigeria, triggering a frantic search and rescue operation, according to authorities.
There was no immediate information on casualties.
Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said in a statement that the aircraft was on a routine mission to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo state.
The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42. It was not immediately clear to what extent the aircraft was damaged.
“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” air force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said.
Locals told The Associated Press that the aircraft crashed near a river and that part of it was sinking in the water.
“We heard something like a thunder strike,” said Akinbulejo Pius, a witness. “The plane cleared some trees. We found some body parts, some clothes and shoes.”
Mr Keyamo said the aircraft first disappeared from radar at around 9 am local time, and that it was found to have crashed close to a naval base.
The Nigerian military has in the past used the ATR-42 for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), alongside for transporting personnel and supplies.
Writing on X, Mr Keyamo said: “I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.
“Subsequently information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
“Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing.
“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently.”