President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that 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 on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to the Presidency, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.
Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the incident 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.
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“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 directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.
The Presidency said the Air Force would release the names of the officers involved after their families had been contacted.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Monday, October 5, 2026.