Nigerian Air Force to Hold Memorial Service for NAF 931 Aircraft Crash Victims

The Nigerian Air Force has announced plans to hold a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony on November 26, 2026, in honour of personnel who lost their lives in the NAF 931 aircraft accident. The ceremony will take place at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. It will provide an opportunity for bereaved families, colleagues, friends, and members of the Air Force community to pay their last respects to the departed personnel and honour their service and sacrifice.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, the ceremony will reaffirm the Service's commitment to remembering those who died in the incident. The memorial service is one of the measures being taken by the NAF to honour the victims and provide support to their families. The NAF 931 aircraft accident occurred on October 5, 2026.

The NAF has made progress in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Cockpit Voice Recorder, alongside other aircraft fragments and relevant evidence, has been recovered from the crash site at Igbokoda, Ondo State. Data retrieved from the voice recorder is being analysed and is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing investigation.

The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The NAF remains committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability, and responsibility. The recovery operations have yielded several human remains and aircraft fragments.

The identification process of the recovered remains is ongoing. However, the recovery exercise has been particularly challenging due to the swampy nature of the terrain and the depth to which some of the aircraft wreckage had penetrated the ground. The NAF is working to address these challenges and ensure that the recovery and identification processes are completed as soon as possible.

The NAF is also engaging relevant agencies to address environmental concerns arising from the recovery exercise and ensure appropriate remediation after the operation. The Air Force recognises the grief and trauma experienced by the bereaved families and remains committed to providing them with sustained support throughout the difficult period.

The NAF has assured Nigerians that it will pursue a thorough investigation, responsible environmental management, and the dignified remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the accident. The memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony on November 26 will serve as a tribute to the victims and their families. The NAF appreciates the cooperation of relevant government agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders who have continued to support the recovery and investigation efforts.

Key points

• The Nigerian Air Force will hold a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony on November 26, 2026, to honour personnel killed in the NAF 931 aircraft accident.