The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially confirmed that all 25 individuals aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, died when the plane crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 6, 2026. The aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Search-and-rescue teams were deployed immediately, working with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.
Full List of NAF 931 Crew and Passengers
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime (flight captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (co-pilots), and two aircraft technicians, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC. The 20 passengers included 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: Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola.
Investigation Ordered, Condolence Register Opened
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke described the incident as "a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation" and extended sympathies to the families and colleagues of the deceased. He assured bereaved families of NAF's support. Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the crash's circumstances. The NAF will release verified updates as the inquiry proceeds and urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information. A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior officials, diplomats, security agency heads, and well-wishers. The statement was issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters.
