The aircraft, which was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the identities of the victims in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
The 20 passengers were identified as 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.
According to the NAF, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash, but no survivor was found.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the service and the nation.
Aneke also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and assured the bereaved families of the NAF’s support.
The Air Force urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while calling for respect for the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
It also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.
Post a Comment