The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a series of aircraft crashes and serious operational incidents over the past six years, involving fighter jets, helicopters, trainer aircraft and transport planes.
The incidents, which occurred across different parts of the country between 2021 and 2026, resulted in the deaths of several military personnel, while some crew members survived emergencies through successful evacuation or ejection.
Below is a chronological account of eight major Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashes and operational incidents recorded during the period:
February 21, 2021 – Abuja
A NAF Beechcraft King Air B350i crashed before reaching the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The aircraft was reportedly heading to Minna when it experienced an engine failure. All seven personnel aboard died in the accident.
March 31, 2021 – Borno State
An Alpha Jet deployed by the Nigerian Air Force for air support operations in the North-East disappeared from radar while operating in Borno State.
Two pilots were on board. Following an extended search and rescue operation, both were presumed dead.
May 21, 2021 – Kaduna State
A Beechcraft King Air 350 belonging to the NAF went down near Kaduna Airport amid poor weather conditions.
The crash claimed the lives of all 11 military personnel aboard, including the then-Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.
April 2022 – Kaduna State
A Super Mushshak trainer aircraft crashed in Kaduna State during a routine training exercise.
Both pilots aboard the aircraft died in the incident.
August 2023 – Niger State
A NAF MI-171E helicopter crashed in the Chukuba area of Niger State while carrying out a casualty evacuation mission.
The incident resulted in the deaths of 11 people among the crew and passengers.
December 6, 2023 – Rivers State
A NAF MI-35P helicopter crashed shortly after taking off in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Unlike several of the earlier incidents, the crew members survived the crash and no fatalities were recorded.
December 2025 – Niger State
A NAF Alpha Jet encountered an operational emergency while carrying out a mission in Niger State.
Both pilots ejected successfully from the aircraft and survived. No deaths were reported in the incident.
October 5, 2026 – Ondo State
The latest incident occurred when a NAF ATR-42 transport aircraft, identified by tail number NAF 931, crashed in swampy terrain around Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft was reportedly operating a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
All 25 people aboard — five crew members and 20 passengers, most of them military personnel — were killed in the crash.
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