The Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, had reportedly spent nearly three years at a maintenance facility in Germany before returning to Nigeria in late 2024.


The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, during a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos, killing all 32 people reportedly on board.


The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members when it went down in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.


According to reports, the aircraft was sent to Rheinland Air Service (RAS) in Germany in 2022 for maintenance and returned to Nigeria in late 2024, after spending close to three years at the facility.


The aircraft's maintenance history has attracted attention following the crash, although there is currently no evidence linking its previous maintenance in Germany to the cause of the accident.


The ATR-42 was reportedly delivered to Nigeria in March 2010, making it more than 16 years old at the time of the crash. However, the age of an aircraft alone does not establish that it was unsafe, as aircraft can remain operational for decades when properly maintained and inspected.


The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has indicated its readiness to provide technical assistance if formally invited by the military.


Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft's maintenance records, technical history, components that may have been replaced or repaired, inspection reports and its operational condition before the fatal flight.


Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning in honour of the Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives.


The identities of the victims have not been fully released, pending notification of their families.


As investigations continue, authorities are expected to establish what caused the aircraft to lose contact with air traffic controllers shortly after take-off and ultimately crash in Igbokoda.


The reported maintenance history of NAF 931 in Germany is therefore an important part of the aircraft's background, but any claim that the maintenance period contributed to the crash would be premature until investigators release their findings.