President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of the 32 Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the tragic military aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday.
The President also directed that all national flags should be flown at half-mast across the country for the three days as a mark of respect and honour for the fallen gallant officers.
This was contained in a State House Press Release issued on October 5, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet which occurred near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, making a total of 32 persons on board, was said to be on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the tragic accident happened.
The President, in his condolence message to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire 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,” President Tinubu stated.
The Presidency further disclosed that President Tinubu has been fully briefed by the Chief of Air Staff on the circumstances surrounding the crash and has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident in order to prevent future occurrences.
President Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a Search and Rescue operation following the crash, noting the swift response of first responders and the support of the Ondo State Government at the crash site.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased officers after due consultations and notification of their respective families, in line with military tradition.
The declaration of a three-day national mourning underscores the gravity of the loss to the nation, as Nigeria continues to mourn some of its finest military personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The Igbokoda crash is one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in recent years, involving a fixed-wing ATR-42 aircraft used for tactical airlift and routine logistics operations within the country.
Security analysts have described the incident as a major blow to ongoing military operations across the country, as the Air Force plays a critical role in providing air support for ground troops fighting terrorism and other security challenges.
President Tinubu has assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as they continue their vital role in securing the nation, while praying for the repose of the souls of the departed officers.
The nation is expected to observe the mourning period from Monday through Wednesday, with flags at all government establishments, military formations and Nigerian embassies abroad flying at half-mast.
