President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft in Ondo State.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.

He directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence, while commending the service for activating search and rescue operations following the accident.

The President said the sacrifice of the Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty would not be forgotten.

The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased officers after their families have been notified.