Nigeria: NAF releases names of 25 victims in Ondo plane crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people on board its ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, perished when the plane came down in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 6, 2026.

The aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers on what was described as a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Search-and-rescue teams were deployed immediately after the crash, working alongside relevant authorities to locate everyone on board. No survivors were found.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, called the incident "a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation" and extended his sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of all those who died.

He also assured bereaved families that the service would support them through this period.

The statement was issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters via @NigAirForce on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Full list of NAF 931 crew and passengers

The five crew members on board were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, who served as flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; and two aircraft technicians, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC.

Among the 20 passengers were 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, and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.

Four civilians also died in the crash: Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola.

Investigation ordered, condolence register opened

Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the crash.

The Nigerian Air Force said it would release verified updates as the inquiry moves forward and urged the public not to spread unconfirmed information or do anything that could compromise the dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers are invited to sign and leave messages of sympathy for the families of those who died.

Read the full post below:

PRESS RELEASE

NAF MOURNS 25 LIVES LOST IN NAF 931 AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.

NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found. The crew members were:

CREW

1.Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)

2.Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)

3.Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)

4.Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)

5.Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)

PASSENGERS

6.Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus

7.Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye

8.Flying Officer IM Adeshina

9.Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F

10.Master Warrant Officer Matini BA

11.Warrant Officer Nuhu FS

12.Flight Sergeant James RB

13.Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI

14.Sergeant Ani AE

15.Sergeant Izibenikien SI

16.Sergeant Alafuka C

17.Sergeant Mbadugha AN

18.Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC

19.Lance Corporal Eledan GE

20.Mrs Ezeh Nneka

21.Godstmine Tarabina

https://t.co/XhwXAihuIB Micheal

23.Sunday Micheal

24.Ukeme David

25.Gideon Omotola

The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families. A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

Ehimen Ejodame

Air Commodore

Director of Public Relations and Information

Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force

6 October 2026

— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) October 6, 2026