The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft died after the military plane crashed in the creeks of Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The crash has triggered national mourning and international condolences, with the United States, Türkiye and a Canadian humanitarian organisation expressing sympathy to the victims’ families. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
The NAF said the aircraft, designated NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers. Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately but “no survivors have been found.”
The five crew members were 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; and Corporal Uguru H.C., aircraft technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye, Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F., Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A., Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S., Flight Sergeant James R.B., Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I., Sergeant Ani A.E., Sergeant Izibenikien S.I., Sergeant Alafuka C., Sergeant Mbadugha A.N., Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C., Lance Corporal Eledan G.E., 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, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support. He has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
International and Military Condolences
The United States Mission in Nigeria expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed, saying it stood with Nigerians while reaffirming the two countries’ security partnership.
The mission said: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria sends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost in yesterday’s Nigerian Air Force crash.”
Türkiye also expressed sadness over the incident. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives” and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army and Navy equally commiserated with the NAF. Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed solidarity with the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire Air Force family, while Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, offered condolences and prayed for strength for the bereaved families.
Recovery Operation Intensifies
Recovery efforts have faced significant challenges because the aircraft went down in a difficult swampy area surrounded by thick vegetation and murky water.
Two amphibious excavators, known as swamp buggies, have now been deployed to the crash site, accompanied by technical personnel and specialised detection equipment. The equipment is expected to assist with recovering the victims’ remains and locating and retrieving the submerged aircraft.
The difficult terrain had previously limited access to the site, with initial recovery efforts involving small boats proving inadequate. Security personnel have cordoned off the area around the crash site, which is located roughly 500 metres from the Forward Operating Base and naval facility.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has pledged the full support of the state government to agencies involved in the search and recovery operation.
Senate Suspends National Security Summit
The tragedy has also affected the activities of the National Assembly. The Senate postponed its planned National Security Summit, originally scheduled for October 12 and 13, indefinitely in honour of the fallen military personnel.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the summit, said the decision followed the declaration of national mourning. The summit was expected to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges and develop measures to protect lives and property. A new date will be announced later.
Calls for Transparent Investigation
The crash has also prompted calls for greater scrutiny of military aviation safety and aircraft maintenance.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called for a thorough and transparent investigation, with President Archbishop Daniel Okoh urging the government to ensure that any safety recommendations arising from the investigation are implemented.
Okoh said: “Every life lost is precious.” He called for stronger aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems to protect military personnel undertaking dangerous assignments.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) similarly demanded scrutiny of defence spending and NAF aircraft maintenance while cautioning against prejudging the official investigation. The party questioned reported differences in defence maintenance funding, claiming that only N4.5 billion, or about 13.98 per cent, of the N34.71 billion budgeted for NAF aircraft maintenance had been released by December 2025, compared with reported releases of N20.27 billion, or 97.76 per cent, of the N20.74 billion allocated to the Presidential Air Fleet. The ADC called for an audit of maintenance expenditure and budgetary releases as part of the crash investigation, arguing that military personnel should have properly maintained equipment when carrying out operations.
The NAF has urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues. It has also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
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