Nigeria Police Force Mourns 25 Lives Lost in Tragic NAF 931 Aircraft Crash in Ondo
Nigeria Police Force has joined the nation in mourning the tragic loss of 25 lives in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft on Monday, 5 October 2026.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and the families of those who perished.
“Today, we mourn with the Nigerian Air Force over the tragic loss of 25 lives in the NAF 931 aircraft accident, which occurred on 5 October 2026 in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State,” the IGP stated.
“On behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, I extend my deepest condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, the officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force, and the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. Their courage, service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
The police leadership further pledged that the Force stands firmly with the Air Force and the bereaved families during this difficult period, praying that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace and that God grants strength to their loved ones and colleagues.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at approximately 09:13 local time.
The plane later crashed near the Naval Base in the swampy Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated, but no survivors were found.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft carried five crew members and 20 passengers. All 25 individuals on board lost their lives.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Service and the nation while directing a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning in honor of the fallen, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had earlier confirmed the loss of contact and the subsequent location of the wreckage, noting that efforts to re-establish radio communication proved unsuccessful.
Remembering the Victims
The Nigerian Air Force has released the official list of those who died:
Crew members:
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).
Passengers:
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.
Residents of Igbokoda recounted hearing a loud bang that initially sparked panic, with some mistaking the sound for a possible security threat given the proximity of the naval base.
Emergency responders, military personnel, and local volunteers worked through challenging swampy terrain to recover remains and secure the site.
A Nation United in Grief
The police statement reflects a broader wave of condolences from across Nigeria’s security agencies, government, and political leaders.
In moments of national tragedy, institutions have set aside differences to honour those who serve the country, often at great personal risk.
As investigations continue under the direction of the Nigerian Air Force, with support from relevant aviation authorities, the focus remains on supporting the families of the deceased and ensuring a thorough, transparent inquiry into the cause of the crash.
The Nigeria Police Force, like the rest of the nation, stands in solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force. The courage and sacrifice of those lost will not be forgotten.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
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