By SCM News Desk I Monday, Oct.05, 2026
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep shock and profound sadness following the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The military transport aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine operational flight from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred.
In a press statement issued on Monday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his heartfeelings and deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Nigerian Air Force leadership, and the entire nation.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu described the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian military and the country at large, emphasizing the selflessness of the armed forces in protecting the nation’s integrity.
”This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” President Tinubu stated. “Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The President confirmed that he had been officially briefed on the situation by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. Following the briefing,
President Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately initiate a comprehensive, top-level investigation into the root cause of the crash to guarantee that corrective safety measures are established to prevent future occurrences.
Search and Rescue Operations Activated
President Tinubu commended the quick action of military authorities in initiating Search and Rescue (SAR) operations shortly after radar contact with the ATR-42 aircraft was lost.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government, emergency services, and local first responders who rushed to the crash site in Igbokoda to assist in emergency operations.
”I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” the President noted.
Praying for the repose of the souls of the departed personnel, President Tinubu asked God to grant fortitude to the bereaved families, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire officers, airmen, and airwomen of the NAF.
The President further reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, operational efficiency, and modernization of the Nigerian Armed Forces as they continue to execute their vital constitutional mandate of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
”I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss. I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation,” President Tinubu concluded.