….…Described it as deeply tragic and a painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H. E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has expressed profound sadness following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with 32 persons on board – comprising 25 officers and 7 crew members was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, 5th October, 2026.
The Minister described the incident as deeply tragic and a painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that the death of personnel in the course of duty underscores the inherent risks and sacrifices in military service and the commitment of the Armed Forces to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.
In his condolence message, Dr. Matawalle said:
“I received with great sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 5th October, 2026, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board.
The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation.”
He added: “We honour the courage, dedication and service of all the personnel involved in this unfortunate incident. Their commitment to duty and service to Nigeria will not be forgotten. At this difficult moment, our thoughts remain firmly with their families, colleagues, comrades and loved ones.”
He concluded: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I join the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over this painful loss.
He prayed that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. He added that their memories of these gallant officers and men, who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation, remain eternally blessed.
The Minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the preservation of personnel lives, the highest standards of operational safety and the continued fulfilment of their constitutional responsibilities in defence of the nation.
Queeneth Iheoma-Hart
(CIO) Information & Public Relations
5/10/26
