The Nigerian Air Force says recovery teams have retrieved additional components from its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda village of Ondo.

In a statement on Wednesday, NAF said specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) continued underwater search and recovery operations at the crash site.

“Working tirelessly, day and night, the multi-agency teams are maintaining sustained efforts, supported by hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to facilitate access to relevant areas,” it said.

It added that recovery teams had retrieved additional aircraft components as efforts continue to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation to support the ongoing investigation.

The crashed helicopter had five crew members and 20 passengers on board and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

The chief of the air staff, Sunday Aneke, condoled with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims. The air force chief described the crash as a “deeply painful moment” for NAF and the nation. He assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during this difficult period.

“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board,” he said.

Mr Ejodame said no survivors had been found.

The five crew members were squadron leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; squadron leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; flight lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; warrant officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.

The passengers included flight lieutenant TL Lazarus, flight lieutenant M Akinloye, flying officer IM Adeshina, master warrant officer Onwuka F, master warrant officer Matini BA, warrant officer Nuhu FS, flight sergeant James RB, flight sergeant Mohammed AI, sergeant Ani AE, sergeant Izibenikien SI, sergeant Alafuka C and sergeant Mbadugha AN. Others were lance corporal Ugwuba FC, lance corporal Eledan GE, Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Michael, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier mourned the officers on board the military aircraft. Peoples Gazette earlier reported that defence minister Christopher Musa also mourned the victims of the NAF plane crash in Igbokoda village.