The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, confirming that there were no survivors in the Monday accident.
The Air Force said the victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers, correcting earlier information that had put the number of people aboard the aircraft at 32.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred near Igbokoda, Ondo State. The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced the final manifest in a statement on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
According to the statement, all 25 people aboard the aircraft lost their lives.
The five crew members were identified as:
- Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
- Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
- Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
- Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
The 20 passengers were identified as:
- Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
- Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
- Flying Officer IM Adeshina
- Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
- Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
- Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
- Flight Sergeant James RB
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
- Sergeant Ani AE
- Sergeant Izibenikien SI
- Sergeant Alafuka C
- Sergeant Mbadugha AN
- Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
- Lance Corporal Eledan GE
- Mrs Ezeh Nneka
- Godstmine Tarabina
- Joy Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola.
NAF Mourns Victims
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to express their condolences.
Earlier Figures Revised
The release of the final manifest also clarified an earlier discrepancy concerning the number of people aboard the aircraft.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had initially reported that preliminary information suggested 25 passengers and seven crew members, while the State House statement issued on Monday referred to the aircraft as carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
However, following the completion of the accounting process, the Nigerian Air Force stated that NAF 931 had 25 persons on board — five crew members and 20 passengers.
The final NAF figure is therefore the official manifest currently available.
Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning
Following the crash, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a three-day national mourning period for the Air Force personnel who died in the accident.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the fallen personnel.
President Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the accident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into its cause.
He commended the immediate search-and-rescue response and expressed condolences to the families of those who died, the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire Nigerian Air Force.
NEMA Deploys Technical Team
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also deployed a technical team to the crash site near Igbokoda to reinforce ongoing search and recovery operations.
The team, led by NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, was deployed following activation by NEMA Director-General Mrs Zubaida Umar.
NEMA said its personnel were working alongside other emergency responders at the site and expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families affected by the tragedy.
DHQ Begins Investigation
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the crash and condoled with the families of those killed.
The military authorities said an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident, while appealing to Nigerians to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families.
The Defence Headquarters described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, noting that military personnel continue to make sacrifices in the service of Nigeria.
The tragedy has therefore prompted a coordinated response involving the Nigerian Air Force, Defence Headquarters, NEMA and other relevant authorities, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continues.
For now, the NAF has formally accounted for all persons aboard NAF 931 and confirmed that all 25 people on the aircraft died, bringing greater clarity to the identities and number of victims as the nation mourns the loss.