The NAF plane crash in Ondo State has left 25 people dead, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed on Tuesday. No survivors were found after its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, came down in the Igbokoda area.
In a statement dated October 6, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had directed a comprehensive investigation. Aneke also sent condolences to the bereaved families and promised them the Service’s full support.
NAF 931 was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos with five crew members and 20 passengers. 
What we know about the NAF plane crash
Reports say the aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, and that air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. The wreckage was found in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said rescuers found no survivors. The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately, in coordination with relevant authorities. Other responders included the Nigerian Navy, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, the police and the Red Cross.
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.
The ATR 42 is a twin-engine turboprop that the Nigerian military uses for maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance.
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Who was on board NAF 931
The NAF named the five crew members as Squadron Leader MI Aburime (flight captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (co-pilots), Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC (aircraft technicians).
The 20 passengers named by the NAF include service personnel ranging from flight lieutenants to lance corporals, plus several other passengers. Here is a full list of the casualties:
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
The Air Force urged the public to avoid speculation and unverified information and to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, diplomats, security chiefs and other well-wishers.
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Casualty figures for NAF plane crash differ between reports
Some earlier reports gave a higher figure.
Citing Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, they said 32 people were on board, made up of 25 passengers and seven crew. The NAF’s official statement and published list account for 25. The reports reviewed did not explain the gap, so the NAF’s list remains the official record until it says otherwise.
Government reaction and investigation
President Bola Tinubu ordered a full investigation and sent condolences to the families and the Air Force. Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede also expressed grief.
Keyamo said the regulation of military aircraft falls outside his ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau can take part only if the Air Force formally invites it. The cause has not been established, and the NAF has not commented on weather or the aircraft’s condition.
Why the NAF plane crash revives safety questions
The crash has renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s military aviation record. In February 2021, a King Air crashed near Abuja and killed seven people. Three months later, another crashed near Kaduna and killed 11, including then Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru.
Transparency has been a recurring concern. After the Kaduna crash, the civil investigation bureau said it could not complete its inquiry because it lacked key information from the NAF.
As families await further details, the NAF has promised timely and verified updates. How openly the NAF plane crash investigation is conducted, and whether its findings are published, will be closely watched.
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