President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military plane today.
He also directed that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.
President Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet.
The accident occurred near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
“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,” President Tinubu declared in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.”
The Air Force will release the officers’ names after contacting their families.
NAF Plane Crashes in Ondo, 32 Passengers and Crew Unaccounted For
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that one of its planes crashed in Igbokoda Ondo State in the morning of Monday October 5 2026. The Air Force plane was carrying 25 passengers and five crew members. All on board are yet to be accounted for.
Initial reports indicated that a helicopter was involved in the incident which occurred in a swampy area of Igbokoda Ondo State.
Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF who confirmed the crash said: “The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.
The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Further details will be communicated in due course.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo also confirmed that 25 passengers and 7 crew members were on board the ill-fated aircraft with tail number NGR 931.
According to information from the aviation department the aircraft disappeared after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.