The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel who lost their lives when its aircraft, marked NAF 931, plunged into the swamps of Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the nation.

He said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, adding that no survivors had been found.

The crew members were:

1. Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime (Flight Captain)
2. Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
3. Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako (Co-pilot)
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A. (Aircraft Technician)
5. Corporal Uguru H.C. (Aircraft Technician)

Passengers

6. Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
8. Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
12. Flight Sergeant James R.B.
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
14. Sergeant Ani A.E.
15. Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
16. Sergeant Alafuka C.
17. Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
19. Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola

Ejodame said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

According to the statement, search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.

He noted that while no survivors had been found, the CAS had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” he said.

“A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.”

…commiserates with military, victims’ families

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said it is ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with the technical support it may require as it carries out search and rescue operations at the site of an accident involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

The Bureau, which commiserated with the military and the families of those on board, said it would not hesitate to deploy investigators and make use of its Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, adding that search and rescue operations had been activated and were ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

“The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them and with the search and rescue teams working at the site.

“The NSIB stands ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force, at its request, with whatever technical support may be required. That support can include the deployment of investigators and the use of the Bureau’s Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.

“As this occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force. The Bureau will provide assistance upon a formal request from the Air Force,” a statement signed by Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General/Chief Executive Officer, NSIB, said.

The NSIB commended the swift activation of search and rescue operations and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda, urging the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and any subsequent investigation.

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft marked NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, was a 16-year-old ATR-42-500MP maritime patrol aircraft delivered to Nigeria in 2010.

The aircraft was reportedly acquired under a $73 million contract signed in March 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and delivered three years later, during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

According to reports by Military Africa, the aircraft spent almost three years on the ground in Germany before returning to Nigeria in late December 2024. Images from the period reportedly showed the aircraft with its right engine removed.

The reason for the prolonged stay in Germany has not been officially explained.

Since its induction into the Nigerian Air Force, NAF 931 has reportedly been operated by the 81 Air Maritime Group in Benin, Edo State, and has also been deployed for military operations, including counter-insurgency missions.

The aircraft was also involved in other military transportation duties in recent times, including the airlifting of Nigerian Air Force Military School students for resumption in different countries in April and September 2026.

The circumstances surrounding Monday’s crash, including the aircraft’s mission, the number of people on board and possible casualties, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incident.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force(NAF) that crashed on Monday in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State, has 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

Keyamo explained that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13a.m.

The minister said the aircraft was en route to Lagos from Benin when all efforts to raise it on radio proved unsuccessful.

He said subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that the wreckage had been located.

The minister said: “Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.”

Keyamo did not provide further details on the condition or identities of those on board, as search and rescue operations were still ongoing.

He noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft were outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

The minister said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on the incident.

He pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” the minister said.

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.

The Air Force will release the officers’ names after contacting their families.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 4th Adu Unity Football Cup has assured participating teams of fair officiating as the competition gets underway in Ondo State.

Defending champions Ijapo Ages Stars of Akure South will face newcomers Ore Bombers in the opening match on Tuesday, September 6, 2026.

Twenty-one teams drawn from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State are expected to participate in the fourth edition of the grassroots football competition.

Speaking with newsmen at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, LOC Chairman Raymond Abdulsalam commended the participating teams for their commitment and understanding during the previous edition.

Abdulsalam urged coaches and club owners to continue working with the LOC to sustain the gains recorded in the competition.

“I want you all to cooperate with us to help these young and upcoming stars achieve their dreams,” he said.

“On our own as organisers, we will do our best to ensure that no team is short-changed during this competition. I plead with you all to present a good team that will represent you well.”

The Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi, represented by the association’s Secretary, Femi Adeleye, commended the sponsor, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, for sustaining the competition for four consecutive years.

Adeleye said Adu had chosen the right platform to empower young people through grassroots football.

“Let me also thank the organisers for their efforts in putting one of the best grassroots football competitions in place in the state,” he said.

“We must appreciate your efforts as partners in the development of grassroots football. You are our partners in progress.”

Ajayi also urged all participating teams to abide by the rules of the game, noting that nobody was perfect, and prayed for the success of the competition.

The representative of the Chairperson of the Ondo State Referees Council, Mr Tolu Akinfemisoye, used the occasion to educate the teams on the new rules guiding the game.

Akinfemisoye said the referees would strive to ensure fair officiating, while acknowledging that human errors could not be completely eliminated from football.

“As human beings, we are not perfect, but we will do our best to ensure fair officiating. Human errors cannot be completely taken away from the game,” he said.

He appealed to team representatives to educate their fans on the rules of the competition, noting that disputes and crises often arose from the bench and among supporters who were unfamiliar with the rules.

Souvenirs were subsequently presented to all 21 participating teams representing the 18 local government areas of the state.

…call for stronger institutions, improved security, electricity, education

The Ondo East Youth Council has called on governments at the federal, state and local levels to prioritise job creation, reduction of the cost of living and improved infrastructure as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The council made the call in a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Comr. Akintayo Olumide (Egi Lumide); General Secretary, Comr. Gbenga Akinkahunsi (Spiritual); and President, Comr. Akinkuolie Tomide (Brilliant Tommy).

The youth body, while describing Nigeria’s independence as an opportunity for citizens to determine their political, economic and social destiny, said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity to reflect on the country’s development journey.

It said Nigeria was endowed with abundant natural resources, agricultural potential, human capital and a large youthful population, but noted that many citizens were still experiencing economic hardship, unemployment, high living costs, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure.

The council urged governments to move beyond promises of employment and invest in industries, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development capable of creating sustainable jobs for young Nigerians.

It also called for improved electricity supply, roads, rail transportation, water, healthcare and digital infrastructure, stressing that the facilities were critical to economic growth and community development.

On food security, the council urged government to maximise Nigeria’s agricultural potential by improving storage and irrigation facilities, reducing post-harvest losses and making agriculture more attractive and profitable to young people.

It further advocated stronger institutions and transparent anti-corruption efforts, saying public officials at all levels should be accountable for resources entrusted to them.

On security, the council called for improved intelligence gathering, policing, community security partnerships and better welfare and capacity for security personnel.

The youth body also urged increased investment in education, technical and vocational training, research, digital skills and entrepreneurship.

It called for stronger grassroots development and greater accountability at the local government level, saying development should extend to rural communities.

The council further urged Nigerians to promote national unity and reject ethnic hatred, religious intolerance and violence.

It said young Nigerians should be given meaningful roles in governance, noting that youths should not be viewed merely as voters during elections but should also participate in policy development, public administration, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.

While reviewing Nigeria’s political journey since independence, the council said the country’s history should be used to learn from both the achievements and shortcomings of successive administrations.

It also urged citizens not to lose hope in Nigeria, but to continue demanding good governance through peaceful and constitutional means.

The council said citizens also had responsibilities, including obeying the law, paying legitimate taxes, protecting public property, participating responsibly in elections and holding public officials accountable.

“Our generation must not inherit Nigeria’s problems and simply pass them on to the next generation. We must become part of the solution,” the council said.

It reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, good governance, community development and peaceful civic participation, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful 66th Independence Anniversary.