ABUJA — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) High Command has officially released the verified manifest containing the names of the 25 victims—comprising five crew members and 20 passengers—who lost their lives in the fatal crash of an NAF ATR-42 maritime surveillance aircraft (Registration: NAF 931) in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
In a official statement issued on Tuesday morning, October 6, 2026, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force confirmed that multi-agency search-and-rescue teams combing the swampy crash site found zero survivors.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the tragic loss of officers, airmen, airwomen, and accompanying civilian family members as a “deeply painful and dark moment” for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Official List of Deceased Personnel and Passengers
Flight Crew (5):
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Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
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Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
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Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
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Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
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Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician
Passengers (20):
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Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
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Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
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Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
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Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
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Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
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Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
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Flight Sergeant James R.B.
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Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
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Sergeant Ani A.E.
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Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
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Sergeant Alafuka C.
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Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
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Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
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Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
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Mrs. Ezeh Nneka
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Godstmine Tarabina
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Joy Micheal
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Sunday Micheal
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Ukeme David
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Gideon Omotola
The NAF Spokesman noted that an official condolence register has been opened at the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, foreign diplomats, security chiefs, and well-wishers paying their respects.
Air Marshal Aneke reiterated that a full accident investigation board has been activated to establish the exact cause of the crash, urging members of the public to respect the privacy of the grieving families and refrain from circulating unverified speculation.
