President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The statement announcing the President’s directives was signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area while travelling from Benin to Lagos.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
“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 President said.
Tinubu said he had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to establish what led to the accident and prevent a recurrence.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, the Nigerian Air Force and other affected persons, praying for strength for those mourning the loss.
The State House said the identities of the deceased personnel would be released by the Nigerian Air Force after their families had been contacted.
