The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, while travelling on a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, and that there were no survivors.
The aircraft reportedly disappeared from radar after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. Authorities subsequently located the wreckage near a naval base in Igbokoda, in a swampy area.
The Nigerian Air Force immediately activated search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency agencies. The operation was initially focused on locating the aircraft and determining the condition of those on board.
The Nigerian government has since confirmed the deaths. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
President Tinubu also declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight records, weather conditions, maintenance history and other circumstances surrounding the accident.
There was initially conflicting information about the number of people aboard the aircraft. On Monday, preliminary information from aviation authorities indicated that 32 people were on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently reviewed the manifest and confirmed the final number as 25 people — 20 passengers and five crew members.
The latest confirmation means the reported death toll is 25, with no survivors found.
The Nigerian Air Force has also released the names of those killed and urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
Hajara Musa Abdurrahman
A passionate reporter with an interest in covering stories that affect communities and society. She is committed to gathering accurate information, conducting interviews, and reporting news in a clear, balanced, and responsible manner.
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