Nigeria: Tinubu declares 3-day national mourning as military personnel die in helicopter crash

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that killed personnel on board, directing that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of those who died.

The declaration came after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 5, 2026. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board at the time of the crash.

Tinubu sends condolences to Air Force leadership

In a condolence message addressed to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu described the tragedy as deeply painful for both the armed forces and the country as a whole.

The president confirmed that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and said he had ordered the Air Force to begin a thorough investigation into what caused the crash, with the aim of preventing similar occurrences in the future.

NAF to release names after notifying families

The Nigerian Air Force said it would publish the names of the officers who died once their next of kin had been contacted and informed.

The statement announcing the mourning period was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Read the statement below:

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

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

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) October 5, 2026