The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered additional components from its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery operations continue at the accident site.

The operation involves specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), working alongside the Air Force recovery team to retrieve and preserve aircraft materials for the ongoing investigation.

The NAF said the teams were maintaining round-the-clock recovery efforts, supported by hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to gain access to difficult areas.

The recovery exercise is taking place in the swampy terrain around Igbokoda, where submerged wreckage and limited underwater visibility have complicated efforts to retrieve aircraft components.

The recovered materials are expected to be documented and preserved as evidence to support investigations into the crash.

Following the accident, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed stronger flight safety oversight across the service, including rigorous checks on aircraft airworthiness, maintenance standards and aircrew competence.

Aneke gave the directive during a meeting with branch chiefs, air officers commanding and other senior commanders, where he stressed adherence to established procedures and professional discipline.

The Air Force said the measures were intended to strengthen flight safety management and prevent similar incidents.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the fumigation of the river around Igbokoda following complaints of offensive odour and concerns about possible pollution after the crash.

The directive was announced by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku.

According to the statement, the Ministries of Environment and Health have been directed to carry out an extensive fumigation exercise to reduce potential health risks and prevent possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases.

The aircraft crashed in Igbokoda on October 5 while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. All 25 people on board were reported killed.

The Nigerian Air Force is responsible for investigating the military aircraft accident, with relevant agencies providing technical assistance as recovery and evidence-preservation operations continue.