The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed deep sorrow over the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of NAF personnel and other passengers.
In a condolence letter addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathy to the leadership of the Air Force, its officers and personnel, as well as the families of the victims.
Marwa described the crash as devastating and said the news had been received with profound grief.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its patriotism, gallantry and continued commitment to protecting the country, saying the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the nation and the wider security community.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives.
The NDLEA chief also assured the NAF of the solidarity and support of the agency’s officers, men and women as the Air Force and the affected families mourn the tragedy.
The NAF aircraft, an ATR-42, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. The Air Force later confirmed that 25 people—five crew members and 20 passengers—were on board and that there were no survivors.
The crash has triggered widespread mourning, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directing an investigation into its cause.
