NAF Officers Die in ATR-42 Crash in Ondo State

On October 5, 2026, an ATR-42 aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force crashed near Igbokoda, Ondo State, resulting in the deaths of three officers: Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, and Flying Officer IM Adeshina. President Bola Tinubu announced a three-day mourning period for the victims, expressing condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the military community.

Man-Ugwueje had recently married Adekunle on September 19, 2026, just sixteen days before the tragedy. Adeshina, who had been commissioned as a flying officer on September 26, 2026, was recognized as the best cadet of his course.

Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, the co-pilot, was promoted to flight lieutenant in September 2025. The aircraft lost radio contact at 09:13 hours while flying from Benin to Lagos, with 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.

The wreckage was located near a Naval Base, and search and rescue operations were ongoing.