By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 personnel and passengers aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following the crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the accident.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
According to the statement, NAF 931, with 25 persons on board comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board, adding that no survivors had been found.
The five crew members identified 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 were identified as 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.
The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
Aneke has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing to all to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, 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 pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
