NAF crashes: Beyond condolences

On Monday, October 5, 2026, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) suffered another air mishap in a series of crashes recorded in recent years. The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, used for surveillance, maritime operations and limited transport, crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The passengers included 19 military personnel and six civilians. He added that search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated, with efforts coordinated with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. Unfortunately, he said, “no survivors have been found.”

Daily Trust commiserates with the Air Force over this deeply painful loss. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

We commend President Bola Tinubu for immediately declaring three days of national mourning and directing that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the military personnel and civilians aboard the aircraft. We also commend the Air Force for promptly activating search-and-rescue operations, which subsequently transitioned to search-and-recovery efforts, in collaboration with first responders and the Ondo State Government.

Daily Trust, however, calls for a thorough, comprehensive, transparent and evidence-based investigation into the crash. Every relevant detail must be examined, including evidence from the wreckage, flight recorders, if recoverable, maintenance records, weather data, air traffic control (ATC) communications, crew actions and aircraft loading.

The bereaved families, Nigerians and the Air Force itself deserve a clear and factual account of what happened and why. Such an investigation is essential to identifying any underlying technical, operational or systemic failures and taking corrective measures to prevent future tragedies.

We also believe that the findings should be made public to the greatest extent possible without compromising legitimate security considerations. Transparency is essential for accountability and public trust. An opaque or incomplete investigation would undermine both objectives. This must not become another case in which the absence of transparent public accountability leaves critical questions unanswered. Whatever caused the crash must be identified, and any deficiencies uncovered must be addressed.

While investigations and recovery operations continue, we urge Nigerians to refrain from speculation and allow the process to run its course. A rigorous investigation must be the foundation for preventing a recurrence and honouring the memory of those who died.

This is particularly important given the frequency of military aircraft crashes in the country. Daily Trust reported on October 6, 2026, that about 20 military aircraft crashes involving transport planes, fighter jets, trainers and helicopters had been recorded since 2015. Specifically, between May 2015 and May 2023, Nigeria recorded 14 military air crashes, resulting in the loss of 15 aircraft and the deaths of about 33 military personnel and some civilians. From July 2023 to date, six crashes or incidents involving manned aircraft had been recorded, with about 34 casualties, excluding at least one loss of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). These figures also exclude the NAF helicopter that made a precautionary or emergency landing on farmland in Benue State on October 7, 2026.

The frequency of these incidents has heightened public anxiety and frustration over military fleet maintenance, funding, ageing aircraft, and training standards. The latest crash is particularly troubling because the aircraft was relatively modern and was reportedly on a routine, non-combat flight following recent overnight repairs.

The aircraft was acquired under a $73 million deal signed in 2007 with Alenia Aeronautica, now Leonardo, and delivered in December 2010. It was subsequently sent to Germany in January 2022 for periodic depot maintenance (PDM) and returned to Nigeria in late December 2024. These details make it imperative for investigators to establish whether the aircraft’s maintenance history, recent repairs or any other technical or operational factors contributed to the crash. Its age or maintenance history alone, however, should not be taken as evidence of the cause.

Furthermore, we urge the Federal Government to ensure that authoritative, professional sources provide information whenever a Nigerian military aircraft crashes. The conflicting casualty figures released after this incident were unfortunate and avoidable. While the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Presidency circulated a figure of 32 people—25 passengers and seven crew members—the NAF subsequently issued a verified manifest showing that 25 people were on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

Going forward, all Federal Government agencies should ensure that the military service concerned serves as the authoritative source of information on crashes involving its aircraft. The service is best placed to verify the manifest, crew and passenger details, casualties, identities, next-of-kin notifications, search-and-rescue or recovery status, and the progress of military accident investigations. This would ensure consistency and prevent conflicting official accounts.

In the aftermath of such disasters, inaccurate casualty figures can compound the anguish of families desperately trying to establish whether their loved ones were on board. The government must therefore recognise that timely, accurate and coordinated communication is not merely an administrative responsibility but also a matter of compassion for those directly affected.

Most importantly, President Tinubu’s directive to the Air Force “to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences” must not become another presidential instruction that produces little or no tangible result. The investigation must be transparent, its recommendations must be practical, and its findings must translate into concrete safety improvements.

The lives lost in this tragedy must not be reduced to statistics. A credible investigation, full implementation of its recommendations and sustained improvements in military aviation safety are the minimum obligations owed to the victims, their families and the Nigerian public.