The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) must formally invite it before it can participate in the investigation of Monday’s ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Bureau, however, offered to provide investigators and technical support, including assistance with the recovery and analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recordings from the aircraft.

The ATR-42, which the NAF said was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed in the Igbokoda area on Monday.

The NAF said search and rescue operations were immediately activated.

In a statement by its Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the NSIB said the investigation of the accident rests with the military because the aircraft involved was a military aircraft.

The Bureau said: “This occurrence involves a military aircraft. In line with the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, and with established international practice, the investigation of military aviation accidents rests with the military authority.

“The NSIB does not investigate military accidents unless formally invited to do so by that authority.”

The Bureau said it was ready to assist the Air Force if requested, including through the deployment of investigators and the use of its Flight Safety Laboratory for flight data and cockpit voice recorder recovery and readout.

The development followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the NAF to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations and expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those aboard the aircraft.

The NSIB also expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those involved in the incident, while commending first responders and rescue teams at the crash site.

The Bureau urged the public to rely on official updates from the NAF concerning the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.

The NAF has said the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, bringing the number of people aboard to 32. It has yet to publicly release their identities or provide an official breakdown of casualties and survivors.

The circumstances that led to the crash also remain unclear, with authorities yet to disclose its cause.