By Rareview News Desk| October 6, 2026
The Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially confirmed that 25 persons—comprising five crew members and 20 passengers—lost their lives following the accident involving its ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The clarification comes in the wake of initial unverified reports suggesting 32 casualties. In an official press statement released on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the exact casualty count and stated that no survivors were found.
According to the Air Force statement, the ATR 42 military plane was on a routine flight mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred. Emergency search-and-rescue protocols were instantly initiated in coordination with relevant state emergency services and aviation authorities to locate the wreckage and account for all individuals on board.
Chief of Air Staff Mourns
Expressing heart-wrenching sorrow over the tragic outcome, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the loss as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation.
“The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives,” the statement read.
Air Marshal Aneke assured the grieving families of the Service’s unwavering backing during this painful period and ordered an immediate, comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses,” Air Commodore Ejodame stated, urging members of the public to desist from speculation and unverified social media narratives out of respect for the dignity of the bereaved families.
Official Victim Manifest Released
The NAF Headquarters released the full, verified names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the line of duty and service to the nation:
Crew Members:
- Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime (Flight Captain)
- Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
- Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako (Co-pilot)
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A. (Aircraft Technician)
- Corporal Uguru H.C. (Aircraft Technician)
Passengers:
6. Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
8. Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
12. Flight Sergeant James R.B.
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
14. Sergeant Ani A.E.
15. Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
16. Sergeant Alafuka C.
17. Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
19. Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
20. Mrs. Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola
The list includes serving military personnel and other passengers. The Air Force did not provide further biographical details about the civilian passengers in its statement.
Tinubu declares three days of national mourning
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
In a condolence message issued 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 President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with a view to preventing similar incidents in the future.
He commended the Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations and acknowledged the response of emergency personnel and the Ondo State Government.
Tinubu further assured the service of his administration’s continued support in carrying out its national security responsibilities.
Ondo government mobilises emergency agencies
The Ondo State Government activated its emergency management agencies in Igbokoda to assist NAF personnel with site containment, recovery operations, and logistics.
Aviation minister pledges federal support
Keyamo had announced the crash on Monday after air traffic controllers reported that they had lost contact with the aircraft while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos.
He said all attempts to reach the aircraft by radio had proved unsuccessful before subsequent information confirmed that it had crashed near the naval base in Igbokoda.
The minister also disclosed that he had spoken with Aneke and pledged the full cooperation of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in the search-and-rescue effort.
Keyamo noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the direct authority of his ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, but said this would not prevent the ministry from assisting the Air Force.
The aircraft’s wreckage was located on Monday, after which security and emergency personnel began operations to account for everyone on board.
NAF orders comprehensive investigation
In his statement, Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff had expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses. It also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to convey messages of sympathy.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The NAF has not yet announced a cause.
For now, the tragedy has left the families of 25 victims mourning their loved ones, while the country awaits answers about what brought down the military aircraft during its routine flight to Lagos.