The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the loss of all 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday October 6, 2026 by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, and made available to cshowcasenews.com, the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board when the accident occurred.
The statement said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the incident, with the Nigerian Air Force working in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. However, no survivor has been found.
Those on board included the flight crew; 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 and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
Others were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Air Marshal Aneke extended heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased, assuring the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified reports.
It also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families at this difficult time.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the 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 and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
