All 32 people aboard a Nigerian military aircraft died after it crashed in Ondo State on Monday, President Bola Tinubu said. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13 am local time and crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the wreckage was located and search and rescue operations were launched immediately.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crash and said it was working with emergency-response agencies. Residents earlier described the aircraft as a helicopter, but the Air Force clarified it was an ATR-42. The cause of the crash remained unclear.

President Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags flown at half-mast. He directed the Air Force to begin a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences. The names of the personnel will be released after their families are contacted.