NAF Crash: Defence Minister mourns fallen officers, orders safety review

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of officers and airmen in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State.

Musa, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, said the military aircraft, with tail number NAF 931, was involved in the fatal incident while personnel aboard were on a routine flight mission.

He described the deceased as brave officers and airmen who died in the service of the nation, noting that they demonstrated courage, patriotism and devotion to duty.

“This painful incident claimed the lives of brave officers and airmen who were engaged in routine flight mission while serving our nation with courage, unyielding devotion, and selfless patriotism.

“The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The minister said the fallen personnel exemplified the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the defence of the country.

Musa extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces and, particularly, the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and most especially, the immediate families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes.

“We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour,” he said.

The minister also extended his condolences to the families of civilians who were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.

Musa said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine its cause.

According to him, the investigation would also help strengthen operational safety protocols across military aviation units and prevent similar incidents in the future.

He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families, members of the military community and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss.

“We pray that the Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal repose, and give their families, the military community, and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Musa said.

The crash involving the Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred in Ondo State during a routine flight mission, claiming the lives of military personnel and other occupants aboard the aircraft.

The incident has prompted condolences from the nation’s leadership and renewed attention to safety in military aviation.

President Bola Tinubu has also directed that the cause of the crash be thoroughly investigated, while the Nigerian Air Force commenced search-and-rescue operations following the incident.

The Presidency has said the identities of the deceased military personnel will be made public after their families have been formally contacted.