Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has expressed profound grief over the death of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel involved in an aircraft accident near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, 05 October 2026.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board, was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the unfortunate incident occurred.
The Minister im a statement by his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, 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 risks and sacrifices inherent in military service and the commitment of the nation’s Armed Forces to the defence of the territorial integrity and national security of Nigeria.
According to the Honourable Minister Matawalle: “I received with profound sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 05 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.
“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.
“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.
“We pray 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. May the memories of these gallant officers and men, who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation, remain eternally blessed.”
Minister Matawalle further reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the preservation of the lives of military personnel, the highest standards of operational safety and the continued fulfilment of their constitutional responsibilities in defence of the nation.
