Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje has been identified as the Nigerian Air Force pilot who was flying the ATR-42-500MP Maritime Patrol aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
Sahara Reporters reported that Man-Ugwueje, who got married two weeks before the crash, was piloting the aircraft during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos. Samuel Victor was identified as the technician on board.
A senior Air Force officer said the aircraft was attached to Squadron Leader MM Haruna, although he was not flying it when the crash happened.
The aircraft was operated by the 81 Air Maritime Group in Benin City, Edo State, mainly for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations, with some transport duties. Newly commissioned pilot officers were also reportedly on board, but their identities had not been released as their families were yet to be officially informed.
The aircraft was bought under a $73 million deal signed with Alenia Aeronautica, now Leonardo, in 2007 and delivered in December 2010. It went to Germany for Periodic Depot Maintenance in January 2022 and returned in late December 2024.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said contact with the aircraft was lost at about 9:13 a.m. during its trip from Benin to Lagos.
The Air Force confirmed the crash and said search-and-rescue operations had begun.
