A suspected military helicopter has crashed in a swampy area opposite the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday morning, October 5, 2026, with the aircraft said to have crashed in a difficult-to-access creek area.
Several persons, including crew members believed to have been onboard the helicopter, are feared dead, although the exact number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained.
Sources said the aircraft was completely burnt in the crash and reduced to rubble and ashes, making it difficult for authorities to immediately establish the number of people onboard.
Military equipment was also reportedly recovered from the crash site.
The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the incident, according to reports.
Following the crash, personnel of the Nigerian Navy, police and emergency response agencies were deployed to the restricted swampy area to conduct rescue operations and begin investigations into the incident.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the identities of those onboard, the confirmed casualty figures and the circumstances surrounding the crash as the search and investigation continue.
