The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has ordered an investigation into the fatal military aircraft crash that killed several “brave officers and airmen”.
“A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate crash has been ordered to ascertain the cause and ensure all necessary operational safety protocols are reinforced across our military aviation units,” Musa said in a statement on Monday.
He described the incident as one that came with a “profound sense of grief and heavy heart”. “The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The minister extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces leadership and the families of the victims.
“We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour,” he said. He also mourned the civilians on board.
President Tinubu has ordered three days of national mourning. He directed that flags be flown at half-mast nationwide as a mark of respect.
According to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said, “This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation.”
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that all 25 people on board died. The aircraft, registration number NAF 931, was an ATR-42. It crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State shortly after 9:00 am (0800 GMT) on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Air Force Names Crew And Passengers
The NAF said the plane had five crew members and 20 passengers. It was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it went down.
Search-and-rescue teams were activated at once with relevant authorities. No survivors were found.
The crew were Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician) and Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician).
The passengers included Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, mourned the victims.
He called the crash “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and promised the families full support. He also directed a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
NEMA Joins Search And Recovery
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed a technical team to the crash site. Director General Mrs Zubaida Umar ordered the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead the team.
NEMA announced the deployment in a statement by its Press Unit on Tuesday. It said the team would reinforce ongoing search and recovery operations. NEMA staff were already at the site with other emergency responders.
“She described the incident as deeply painful, noting the invaluable sacrifices of personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in the service and defence of the nation,” the statement read. Umar sent condolences to Aneke, the NAF family and the affected families.
She prayed for the repose of the dead and quick recovery for the injured.
The NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja. Government officials, diplomats, security chiefs and well-wishers can sign it.
The Service also asked the public to avoid speculation and unverified information. It promised timely and verified updates as the investigation continues.
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