By Ilesanmi Arojojoye, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has recovered additional components from the wreckage of a crashed NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The recovery operation, which involves sustained underwater searches, is aimed at locating and retrieving aircraft components and other relevant materials that could assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The NAF said the multi agency teams had continued working round the clock, deploying specialised equipment and technical support to intensify the search and recovery efforts at the accident site.

According to the Air Force, the operation is being supported by hydrographic surveys and satellite based search and rescue imagery to identify areas of interest and guide the recovery teams.

The ongoing exercise has also involved mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to improve access to submerged sections of the crash site and facilitate the retrieval of relevant materials.

The NAF confirmed that additional aircraft components had been recovered and were being handled for documentation and preservation in support of the ongoing investigation.

The collaboration among the NAF, Nigerian Navy and NSIB underscores the importance of inter agency cooperation and specialised technical expertise in aircraft accident investigations.

The recovered components are expected to provide investigators with relevant evidence as efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The search and recovery operation remains ongoing.