NAF sets Nov 26 for 931 aircraft crash victims’ memorial, recovers cockpit recorder
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By Isaiah Adewole
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced November 26, 2026, for a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony in honour of victims of the NAF 931 aircraft accident, while confirming the recovery of the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) at the crash site in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The memorial ceremony, scheduled to take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, will bring together bereaved families, colleagues, friends and members of the Air Force community to honour the departed personnel and recognise their service and sacrifice.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the ceremony will provide an opportunity for those affected by the tragedy to pay their last respects and honour the memories of the deceased.
“The wreath-laying will also serve as a formal expression of the Service’s enduring respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
Providing an update on the crash, the NAF confirmed that the Cockpit Voice Recorder, alongside other aircraft fragments and relevant evidence, had been recovered from the crash site.
It disclosed that data retrieved from the recorder was being analysed and was expected to contribute significantly to the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, which occurred on October 5, 2026.
The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Air Force also disclosed that recovery operations had yielded several human remains and aircraft fragments, while the identification of the recovered remains was ongoing.
It, however, noted that the exercise had been challenging due to the swampy nature of the terrain and the depth to which some aircraft wreckage had penetrated the ground.
The statement further revealed that the NAF was engaging relevant agencies to address environmental concerns arising from the recovery exercise and ensure appropriate remediation upon its completion.
Reassuring the bereaved families of its support, the Service acknowledged the grief caused by the incident and pledged to stand by them throughout the difficult period.
“The NAF recognises the profound grief experienced by the bereaved families and reiterates its commitment to providing them with sustained support throughout this difficult period,” the statement added.
The Air Force also appreciated relevant agencies, host communities and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support towards the recovery and investigation efforts.
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