As recovery efforts continue at the site of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, the Nigerian Navy is strengthening coordination with emergency agencies and other stakeholders to tackle operational challenges posed by the difficult terrain.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, visited Forward Operating Base Igbokoda on October 20 to assess progress, identify challenges and reinforce collaboration among teams involved in the operation.
During the visit, he met with representatives of Hi-Tech Construction Company, the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, ODSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and other stakeholders to review the recovery efforts and discuss difficulties confronting the operation.
Rear Admiral Mustapha commended the Ondo State Government and Hi-Tech Construction Company’s Managing Director, Danny Aboud, for their commitment, particularly the deployment of mechanised equipment to navigate the challenging terrain surrounding the crash site.
He stressed that sustained cooperation among the participating agencies and organisations remained critical to the successful completion of the mission.
The naval chief and other stakeholders subsequently travelled by boat to the crash site, where they received first-hand updates from personnel on the ground on progress made and the challenges hampering recovery efforts.
The inspection highlighted the need for sustained inter-agency collaboration, specialised equipment and coordinated action as teams continue the recovery operation in Igbokoda.
