By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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 solemn ceremony, scheduled to take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, 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.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that the ceremony would reaffirm the Service’s enduring commitment to remembering those who died in the unfortunate incident.
Ejodame also confirmed that the Air Force had recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), alongside other aircraft fragments and relevant evidence, from the crash site at Igbokoda, Ondo State.
He said data retrieved from the voice recorder was being analysed and was expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the October 5, 2026 accident.
According to him, the investigation is progressing steadily in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He said the NAF remained committed to ensuring that the investigation was conducted in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability and responsibility.
The Air Force spokesman disclosed that recovery operations had so far yielded several human remains and aircraft fragments, while the identification process of the recovered remains was ongoing.
He explained that the recovery exercise had 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.
Ejodame further stated that the NAF was engaging relevant agencies to address environmental concerns arising from the recovery exercise and ensure appropriate remediation after the operation.
The Air Force, he said, recognised the grief and trauma experienced by the bereaved families and remained committed to providing them with sustained support throughout the difficult period.
He also appreciated the cooperation of relevant government agencies, host communities and other stakeholders who had continued to support the recovery and investigation efforts.
The NAF assured Nigerians that it would pursue a thorough investigation, responsible environmental management and the dignified remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the accident.
