Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026.
According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force activated search-and-rescue procedures immediately after the accident, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency-response agencies.
The NAF said no survivors has been found.
However, there is a discrepancy in the official figures released about the number of people aboard the aircraft. The Presidency and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 32 people were on board — 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF’s subsequent casualty statement, however, said the aircraft had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, and released the names of 25 victims.
The NAF-listed victims are:
Crew
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
2. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
3. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
4. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
5. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
6. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
7. Flight Sergeant James RB
8. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
9. Sergeant Ani AE
10. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
11. Sergeant Alafuka C
12. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
13. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
14. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
15. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
16. Godstmine Tarabina
17. Joy Micheal
18. Sunday Micheal
19. Ukeme David
20. Gideon Omotola
The NAF said the CAS described the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
Tinubu declares three days of national mourning
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash and extended his condolences to the families of those aboard the aircraft, the Chief of the Air Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Tinubu said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with a view to preventing future occurrences. He also commended the NAF for activating search-and-rescue operations immediately after the accident, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
In a subsequent directive, the President declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the fallen personnel.
Tinubu also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died and for God to grant their families, colleagues and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
Aircraft disappeared from radar
Earlier, Keyamo said air traffic controllers reported losing contact with the military aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday after attempts to establish radio communication proved unsuccessful.
The aircraft was subsequently confirmed to have crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where its wreckage was located. The Minister said his ministry had pledged cooperation and assistance to the ongoing search-and-rescue operation, while noting that the regulation and control of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) also confirmed that search-and-rescue operations had been activated and said it was ready to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian Air Force if requested.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has since deployed a specialised technical team to Igbokoda to reinforce the ongoing search, rescue and recovery efforts.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and convey condolences to their families.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established.