The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

The NAF said no survivors had been found.

The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and 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; and Gideon Omotola.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s support as they deal with the loss.

The Air Force also said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area near a naval base after air traffic controllers lost contact with it during its flight. The aircraft was an ATR-42 used by the Nigerian Air Force for specialised missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

There was initially conflicting information about the number of people aboard the aircraft. The Presidency and the Minister of Aviation had initially reported that 32 people were on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF’s subsequent statement put the total number aboard at 25, consisting of 20 passengers and five crew members.

The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the 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 been established. The investigation is expected to determine what led to the aircraft’s loss of contact and subsequent crash in Igbokoda.