The United States Mission in Nigeria has extended its condolences to the families of the victims of a tragic plane crash involving the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that resulted in the loss of 25 lives. The incident occurred on October 5, 2026, when an ATR-42 turboprop aircraft went down near Igbokoda, Ondo State, during a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.

In a statement released on October 6, the US Mission expressed deep sorrow over the incident, reaffirming its commitment to the relationship between the two nations. "The US Mission in Nigeria sends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost in yesterday's Nigerian Air Force crash. We stand with the people of Nigeria and remain committed to our strong security partnership," the statement read.

The aircraft, which was carrying 20 passengers and 5 crew members, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before the crash. It came down in a challenging swampy area close to a naval base in Ondo State, making recovery efforts difficult for rescue teams. Military authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

In response to the tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared three days of national mourning, instructing that flags be flown at half-mast across the country. This gesture is a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the incident.

The US has a long-standing defense partnership with Nigeria, having previously supplied aircraft and provided technical training to the NAF. This relationship underscores the significance of the US Mission's condolences, as it highlights the collaborative efforts between the two countries in enhancing Nigeria's defense capabilities.

As the nation mourns, international support continues to pour in, with the United States being one of the first to publicly acknowledge the tragedy. The ongoing investigation into the crash is expected to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.