President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 military aircraft on Monday.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of honour for the deceased officers.
The military jet was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
President Tinubu was briefed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident.
Describing the tragedy as a "painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation," President Tinubu commended the Air Force for its prompt search and rescue response and assured that the sacrifices of the personnel would not be forgotten.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident," President Tinubu declared in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the victims once notification of their families is complete.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) October 5, 2026
PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES THREE-DAY MOURNING FOR AIR FORCE PERSONNEL WHO DIED IN AIRCRAFT CRASH
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.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten," President Tinubu declared in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.”
The Air Force will release the officers' names after contacting their families.
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) October 5, 2026
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