Twenty-five persons on board a Nigerian Air Force aircraft have died after the plane crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, the Air Force has confirmed.
The NAF said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivors have been found.
The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the accident occurred on Monday during the flight from Benin to Lagos. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
NAF Chief Mourns, Orders Investigation
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives.
Air Marshal Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation. He expressed heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period and directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses. It urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The Service also disclosed that a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. The register is 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.
Tinubu Declares Three Days of Mourning
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the crash.
The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
Full List of Crew and Passengers
The Nigerian Air Force released the names of the crew and passengers on board:
Crew:
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
Passengers:
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
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