A Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in southwestern Nigeria on Monday, killing all 32 people aboard, President Bola Tinubu said, declaring three days of national mourning for the victims.

The crash ranks among Nigeria's deadliest aviation accidents in recent years and is one of the country's most serious military aircraft disasters.

The aircraft was carrying personnel on what the Nigerian Air Force described as a routine mission from Benin City in Edo state to Lagos, the country's commercial hub.

It crashed shortly after 9 a.m. near Igbokoda in Ondo state, according to Tinubu and the air force.

Emergency and security personnel were deployed to the crash site, while authorities began efforts to determine the cause of the accident.

Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those killed and ordered relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.

The president also announced three days of national mourning, urging Nigerians to honor the victims and support their families during the period of grief.

The incident comes as Nigeria continues to rely heavily on its military aviation fleet for operations across the country, including security missions and the movement of personnel.

Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft's maintenance history, weather conditions, flight data and other operational factors as part of the investigation into the crash.

Further details about the identities of those killed and the circumstances surrounding the crash were expected to be released as the investigation progresses. (ILKHA)