The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed grief over the loss of military personnel in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
The aircraft, identified by its tail number as NAF 931, was involved in an accident while personnel were carrying out a routine flight mission.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Musa described the deceased officers and airmen as dedicated members of the Armed Forces who served the country with courage, professionalism and patriotism.
He said their deaths represented a painful loss to the Nigerian military and the nation as a whole.
The Defence Minister extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces leadership, colleagues of the deceased and the families and loved ones left behind.
Musa also expressed sympathy to the families of civilians who were reportedly aboard the aircraft when the crash occurred.
He assured the affected families and the military community of the government’s solidarity during the difficult period, while praying for strength and comfort for those mourning the victims.
Meanwhile, the minister directed that a thorough investigation be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to him, the investigation will help establish what caused the accident and provide lessons that could strengthen safety measures across Nigeria’s military aviation operations.
Musa prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims and for God to grant their families, colleagues and Nigerians the strength to cope with the tragedy.
