The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has said it will not independently investigate the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, unless the military formally invites it to participate.
The bureau stated that the incident involved a military aircraft and therefore falls outside its legal responsibility under the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, and international practice.
“This occurrence involves a military aircraft,” the bureau said.
The aircraft, an ATR 42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force, crashed on Monday while reportedly carrying out a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the crash and commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.
The NSIB clarified that its position was not a refusal to assist but a recognition that the military has the legal responsibility to investigate accidents involving its aircraft.
“The NSIB does not investigate military accidents unless formally invited to do so by that authority,” it said.
The bureau, however, said it was prepared to provide technical assistance if requested by the Nigerian Air Force.
It said such support could include deploying investigators to the crash site and using its Flight Safety Laboratory to recover and analyse flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
The NSIB also expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those on board the aircraft.
“Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site,” the bureau said.
It commended first responders and other agencies involved in the rescue operation at Igbokoda.
The bureau urged members of the public to rely on official information from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the search and rescue operation and any investigation that may follow.
It added that any further information from the NSIB would only be released when necessary and in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force.
