The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed grief over the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel involved in an aircraft crash near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, carrying 25 officers and seven crew members, was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Matawalle described the incident as a tragic loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that the deaths underscored the risks and sacrifices associated with military service.
In a statement signed by the Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the Minister said the personnel demonstrated courage and dedication in the service of the country, adding that their commitment to duty would not be forgotten.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased personnel, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to protecting the lives of military personnel, maintaining high standards of operational safety and fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities in defending the nation.