The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has mourned the loss of 25 personnel and passengers following the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

According to the NAF, the aircraft had 25 people on board—five crew members and 20 passengers—when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors have been found.

The NAF subsequently released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board, effectively identifying the 25 people affected by the crash.

The service did not provide further details on the recovery or formal identification of remains in its statement.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.

He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.

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

The 20 passengers 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, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

The NAF has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Service also urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.