The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people who died in the crash involving a NAF 931 aircraft, confirming that there was no survivor in the accident.

The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.

The NAF, in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on October 6, 2026, said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation into the accident progresses.

Names of the victims

According to the statement, the five crew members who died in the crash were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.

The 20 passengers were identified as Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye; Flying Officer IM Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini BA; Warrant Officer Nuhu FS; Flight Sergeant James RB; Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI; Sergeant Ani AE; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha AN; Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC; Lance Corporal Eledan GE; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.

The full list released by the Air Force is:

Crew

• Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
• Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
• Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
• Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
• Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician

Passengers

• Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
• Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
• Flying Officer IM Adeshina
• Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
• Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
• Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
• Flight Sergeant James RB
• Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
• Sergeant Ani AE
• Sergeant Izibenikien SI
• Sergeant Alafuka C
• Sergeant Mbadugha AN
• Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
• Lance Corporal Eledan GE
• Mrs Ezeh Nneka
• Godstmine Tarabina
• Joy Micheal
• Sunday Micheal
• Ukeme David
• Gideon Omotola

Air Force urges public to avoid speculation

The Air Force urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information concerning the crash, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

— Nigerian Air Force

The NAF said a condolence register has also been opened at its headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Air Force, the register is available for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.

The Air Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the crash in the statement, saying the investigation was ongoing.

It assured the public that further information would be provided through verified official channels as the investigation progresses.