NAF 931 Crash: Air Force Confirms, Release Names of 25 Dead as CAS Orders Probe (Names in Report)

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, have died, as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. The crash happened in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, close to the Nigerian Navy base.

Earlier reports from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had put the number of people aboard at 32, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m., after repeated attempts to reach it by radio failed.

The aircraft was subsequently confirmed to have crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with its wreckage located at the site. The NAF immediately activated search-and-rescue procedures in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

In its latest update, however, the NAF said its records showed that 25 people were aboard the aircraft, five crew members and 20 passengers, and that no survivors had been found.

The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.

The 20 passengers named by the Air Force 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 and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI. Others were Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.

The remaining passengers were listed as Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola. The NAF said the identities were released as part of its effort to provide verified information while respecting the dignity and privacy of the affected families.

Air Marshal Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, extending his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support and directed a comprehensive investigation to determine what led to the accident.

The Air Force has urged the public to rely on verified information and refrain from speculation or circulating unconfirmed reports while the investigation proceeds. A condolence register has also been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers to express their sympathies.