The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft with tail number NAF 931, which claimed the lives of military personnel and civilians on board.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister said the incident killed officers and airmen who were on a routine flight mission. He described them as dedicated patriots who served the nation with courage, professionalism and selflessness.
General Musa extended his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and the families, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen personnel. He also commiserated with the families of the civilians who were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” the Minister was said to have noted in the statement, as the nation joined the military community in mourning.
The Defence Minister disclosed that a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. He added that the findings would also be used to strengthen operational safety measures across military aviation units.
Further details, including the exact location of the crash and the number of casualties, are yet to be released by the authorities.
