NAF To Release Names Of Personnel Killed in Crash As Tinubu Declares 3-Day Mourning

According to a Facebook post by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, October 5, 2026, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.

Onanuga said Tinubu also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country. The measure was announced as a mark of respect for the deceased personnel.

The crash involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. It was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and commiserated with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force. He said the personnel had continued to risk their lives in the service of the country.

The President directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. He said the investigation should help prevent similar incidents in the future. Tinubu also commended the service for promptly activating a search and rescue operation after the crash.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Air Force would release the names of the deceased personnel after their families had been contacted. Onanuga signed the statement on behalf of the Presidency.

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