NAF plane crashes: Tinubu declares 3 days of mourning

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for air force personnel who died in the crash of a military plane on Monday.

He also ordered that flags should be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect to officers.

In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash, saying the investigation should help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft has crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda area of ​​Ondo State during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. According to State House, the plane was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the crash occurred.

Tinubu, who expressed deep sadness over the incident, described the incident as a painful moment for the armed forces and the entire country, stressing that members of the Nigerian Air Force regularly put their lives at risk in service to the nation.

“This is a painful moment for our military and the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives at risk every day to protect Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the President said.

The president orders a thorough investigation

The President said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, informed him of the crash and subsequently directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the causes of the crash.

Tinubu said the investigation was necessary not only to establish what happened to the plane, but also to identify measures that could prevent recurrence of accidents. The directive comes as authorities continue efforts to establish the full circumstances of the accident, including the events that led to the crash of the plane near the Igbokoda naval facility.

“The Chief of Air Staff informed me and I directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately initiate a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident to prevent future occurrences,” he said.

The President’s directive puts pressure on military aviation authorities to determine whether the accident was caused by a technical failure, operational circumstances, weather conditions or other factors. However, no cause has been officially established and conclusions are expected to depend on the outcome of the investigation.

Tinubu praises the search and rescue operation

Tinubu also praised the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation after the plane went down, as well as first responders and the Ondo State government for their response at the crash site.

The plane was on a routine flight between Benin and Lagos before the accident occurred in Igbokoda area. Following the accident, the Air Force activated emergency response procedures and mobilized personnel to locate the aircraft and deal with the situation at the crash site.

The President said the rapid activation of the search and rescue operation demonstrated the importance of a coordinated emergency response in managing aviation accidents, particularly those involving military aircraft operating in challenging environments.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” Tinubu said.

He also commended the quick response of first responders and the Ondo State Government, acknowledging their efforts following the incident.

Names of deceased personnel to be released

The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been contacted.

The State House said the identities of the officers would be made public only after military authorities completed the process of notifying their relatives. The approach is intended to ensure that families of the deceased are formally notified before identities are officially announced.

Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of Air Staff and the entire Nigerian Air Force community, while praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen.

He also prayed that God would grant their families and colleagues the strength to bear the loss in what he described as a difficult time for the Armed Forces.

The President assures the Air Force of continued support

The President assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as the service carries out its responsibilities to protect the country.

Tinubu said the sacrifice of military personnel who risk their lives in defending Nigeria will not be forgotten, stressing the importance of honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

As a result, the accident placed a renewed focus on the safety of military aviation operations and the need for thorough investigations whenever accidents occur.

For the families of the deceased personnel, however, the immediate concern remains the loss of their loved ones, while the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation proceeds.

The three-day period of mourning ordered by the President will provide the nation with an opportunity to honor fallen personnel and recognize the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in the performance of their duties.

As mourning begins, attention will also turn to the investigation ordered by the President, the results of which are expected to provide answers as to what caused the ATR-42 crash and whether measures are needed to strengthen the safety of future operations of the Nigerian Air Force.