President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the crash, describing it as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the President said the personnel had continued to risk their lives in the service of the nation.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
The President said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to establish what led to the accident and prevent a recurrence.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a search and rescue operation following the crash.
The President extended his condolences to the families, colleagues and associates of the personnel who lost their lives in the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said the names of the deceased officers would be released after their families had been formally contacted.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated October 5, 2026.