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   History of the Nigerian Air Force
 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
                                                   The Fallen Heroes
 NAF History
Background
Evolution of the NAF
Objectives of the NAF
NAF and the Civil War
Former Chiefs of The Air Staff
Fallen Heroes
The NAF Structure
Service Headquarters
Staff Branches
Operational Commands
Direct Reporting Units
Colours, Wings and Rank Structure
 

 
 


The story of any war cannot be complete without counting  the cost. The first NAF aircrew casualties were recorded in 1966 when Lieutenants Onyirimba and Onyeji crashed in a Piaggio 149D at Ibadan. This was before the Civil War. The early casualties after the declaration of war were Lieutenant Jide Akerele and Second Lieutenants Ozieh and Lawal.
Lieutenant Akerele crashed in an L-29 aircraft in late 1967 while returning to base from a bombing raid to Onitsha in support of the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army. Late Air Marshal Ibrahim Alfa (then a Lieutenant) who was his wingman reported that he suddenly stopped responding to radio calls and subsequently, his aircraft took a plunge and crashed. Since Akerele’s crash, there have been several other air accidents that prematurely claimed the lives of brilliant and resourceful personnel of the NAF.


              The Roll of Nigerian Air Force Fallen Heroes – Officers (1964-2004)

Serial Rank Name Aircraft Type Year of Accident
1 Lt   CU Onyeji Piaggio 1966
2 Lt   DG Onyirimba Piaggio 1966
3 Lt  Jide Akerele L-29 1967
4 2/Lt  G Ozieh L-29 1967
5 2/Lt  S Lawal L-29 1967
6 T/Capt George Jebak DO-27 1968
7 T/Capt O Aiyelagbe L-29 1968
8 Lt U Abiola L-29 1968
9 Capt  J Ayinla L-29 1968
10 T/Capt E Smith    L-29 1968
11 Col SA Alao L-29 1969
12 Maj I Maina L-29 1970
13 Maj D Ato MiG-17 1971
14 Flt Lt D Shekoni MiG-21 1976
15 Cdt  Ngbede Bull dog 1976
16 Fg Offr JC Nwatarali MiG-17 1976
17 Flt Lt E Obinwa Bull dog 1976
18 Flt Lt I Ganiyu L-29   1978
19 Fg Offr VOT Ladoye MiG-21 1978
20 Fg Offr S Pacheko Bull dog 1978
21 Fg Offr MA Afolalu BO-105 1978
22 Fg Offr M Patterson BO-105 1978
23 Flt Lt Bello Daudu DO128-2 1980
24 Fg Offr Zailani DO128-2 1980
25 Flt Lt   Ladan F-27 1980
26 Sqn Ldr Ogboi F-27 1980
27 Wg Cdr OT Filani Puma 1982
28 Flt Lt Oladipo Puma 1982
29 Flt Lt Nweze BO-105 1983
30 Fg Offr JA Yussuf MiG 21 1983
31 Flt Lt Shaman Musa Jaguar 1984
32 Cdt Ogolo Bull dog 1984
33 Flt Lt I Rotimi BO-105 1985
34 Flt Lt Garba HS-125 1985
35 Flt Lt Zuokumo HS-125 1985
36 Fg Offr J Akpogu MiG-21 1985
37 Cdt Dakai Bull dog 1985
38 Sqn Ldr AB Ogboye MiG-21 1985
39 Sqn Ldr Sule BO-105 1985
40 Fg Offr   Imadoumwoyin A-Jet 1986
41 Flt Lt K Lawal MiG-21 1986
42 Cdt Mallam Bull dog 1987
43 Fg Offr F Olubode MiG 21 1988
44 Flt Lt Ogu MiG 21 1988
45 Fg Offr McDavid MiG 21 1989
46 Flt Lt D Okunrinyo L-39ZA 1989
47 Fg Offr BE Ahodu L-39ZA 1989
48 Flt Lt Shoyebi MiG-21 1989
49 Sqn Ldr NA Abdallah L-39ZA 1990
50 Sqn Ldr Garba Jaguar 1990
51 Flt Lt Tartiyus BO-105 1990
52 Fg Offr Mshel-Bwala L-39 ZA 1990
53 Flt Lt NCOnwujuba BO-105 1991
54 Sqn Ldr SS Magani BO-105 1991
55 Wg Cdr JP Alabosun C-130 1992
56 Wg Cdr JA Adeiza  C-130 1992
57 Wg Cdr AS Mamadi C-130 1992
58 Flt Lt SD Adamu C-130 1992
59 Sqn Ldr NE Daudu HS-125 1995
60 Sqn Ldr NO Akpabio  HS-125 1995
61 Flt Lt B Oguntuwase  ABT-18 1997
62 Sqn Ldr NS Aniemeka DO-126-6 1997
63 Flt Lt SMA Ibrahim         DO-126-6 1997
64 Wg Cdr Ado Bashir A-Jet 1998
65 Sqn Ldr A Mohammed A-Jet 1999
66 Sqn Ldr DO Ojomo ABT-18 2001
67 Wg Cdr E Scott  A-Jet 2003
68 Wg Cdr A Eniaye A-Jet 2003
69 Wg Cdr SC Adim ABT-18 2003
70 Wg Cdr RO Adeniyi A-Jet 2004

               The Roll Of Nigerian Air Force Fallen Heroes – Airmen (1964-2004)
 

Serial Rank Name Specialty Remark
1 Sgt Salihu S Technician F-27 Crash of 26/03/1980
2 Cpl Kyemen A Technician Puma Crash of 11/10/1983
3 WO Wakala A Load Master C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
4 FS Datong M Load Master C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
5 FS Essien B Technician C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
6 FS Tarfa S Flt Engineer C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
7 Sgt Oluwole S Load Master C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
8 Sgt Nwankwe C Technician C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
9 Sgt Okhirebu P Information C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
10 Cpl Datit P Nurse C-130 Crash of 26/09/1992
11 Cpl Garba A Air Steward HS 125 Crash of 17/01/1996
12 L/Cpl Effiong S Air Steward HS 125 Crash of 17/01/1996
13 ACM Isiki E Air Steward HS 125 Crash of 17/01/1996
14 FS Elechebe J Technician DO128-6 Crash of 24/02/1997

     FALLEN HEROES
    The Ejigbo C-130 Hercules Crash

 A special mention must be made of the C-130 (NAF 911) air disaster of 26 September 1992 at Ejigbo in Lagos State. The crash was a national tragedy which claimed the lives of the officers of Course 15 of the Command and Staff College, Jaji, who were returning to the College after a study tour of naval establishments in Lagos. Casualties from this crash include personnel from the 3 Services, the Ministry of Defence and some sister African Countries. Those that crashed in the aircraft are listed in Tables 13 and 14. May their souls continue to repose in peace.

               Personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Involved in the C–130 Aircraft Crash
               of 2 September 1992.

Serial Rank Name  P/No Remark
1. Wg Cdr JP Alabosun NAF/673 Pilot
2. Wg Cdr AS Mamadi NAF/453 Pilot
3. Sqn Ldr A Adeiza NAF/718 Flt Engr
4. Sqn Ldr SD Adamu NAF/1065 Navigator
5. Sqn Ldr A Duson NAF/1071 Student
6. Sqn Ldr S Habu NAF/782 Student
7. Sqn Ldr JK Osho NAF/767 Student
8. Sqn Ldr EO Ikwue NAF/793 Student
9. Sqn Ldr SO Oyerinde NAF/807 Student
10. Sqn Ldr OE Ekong NAF/809 Student
11. Sqn Ldr M Njidda NAF/818 Student
12. Sqn Ldr RO Yusuf NAF/822 Student
13. Sqn Ldr AT Clement NAF/903 Student
14. Sqn Ldr HT John NAF/906 Student
15. Sqn Ldr MM Gumel NAF/907 Student
16. Sqn Ldr FO Akede NAF/920 Student
17. Sqn Ldr AA Ndule NAF/923 Student
18. Sqn Ldr EJ Ekpong NAF/924 Student
19. Sqn Ldr A Atteh NAF/928 Student
20. Sqn Ldr EK Odubanjo NAF/930 Student
21. Sqn Ldr NO Alege NAF/931 Student
22. WO Wakala A Load Master Student
23. FS Datong M   Load Master
24. FS Essoem B NAF71/11727 PA toD Air
25. FS Tarfa S   Flt Engineer
26. Sgt Oluwole S   Load Master
27. Sgt Nwankwe C   Technician
28. Sgt Okhirebu Jaja NAF78/11132 Video Camera
29. Cpl Datit P NAF92/17056 Nurse

    Personnel of Other Services and Establishments Involved in the C–130 Aircraft Crash
    of 26 September 1992.

Serial Rank Name P/No Remark
1  Lt Col SA Onipede N/2888 Directing Staff
2  Lt Col JO Okafor N/2803 Directing Staff
3  Lt Col JA Agber N/2712 Directing Staff
4  Lt Col BA Ibanga N/3315 Directing Staff
5  Lt Col GO Ikoli N/5402 Directing Staff
6  Lt Col AI Ibiyeye N/3300 Directing Staff
7  Lt Col SK Aladesuyi N/3259 Student
8 Maj  AY Abbas N/4221 Student
9 Maj  T Abina N/5486 Student
10 Maj  IA Abolade N/6102 Student
11 Maj  MA Agoyi N/6254 Student
12 Maj  OG Akise N/3207 Student
13 Maj  T Akpeh N/6208 Student
14 Maj  BA Anebi N/5461 Student
15 Maj  CT Arowojoiu N/4216 Student
16 Maj  JA Audu N/6270 Student
17 Maj  O Babalola N/5115 Student
18 Maj  MK Okwabi GH/2139 Ghana
19 Maj  OO Olusanya N/5543 Student
20 Maj  RA Olufe N/6292 Student
21 Maj  S Omakwu N/5601 Student
22 Maj  EE Onwe N/3196 Student
23 Maj  H Onwuegbuna N/5464 Student
24 Maj  KE Osula N/4218 Student
25 Maj DS Oyelola N/6188 Student
26 Maj MA Pindar N/6204 Student
27 Maj BB Sadiq N/4028 Student
28 Maj J Shija N/3217 Student
29 Maj MI Ukeh N/3191 Student
30 Maj PB Yaro N/3483 Student
31 Maj AE Usibe N/6207 Student
32 Maj S Abubakar N/3459 Student
33 Maj JR Muhwezi RO/1326 Rwanda
34 Maj W Adda N/6112 Student
35 Maj TJ Adahada N/4647 Student
36 Maj O Adebayo N/6293 Student
37 Maj AG Jegede N/3443 Student
38 Maj SS Agada N/5957 Student
39 Maj MO Ajibola N/6172 Student
40 Maj Y Aliyu N/3471 Student
41 Maj SO Amaechi N/5861 Student
42 Maj HAD Badamasi N/6283 Student
43 Maj PO Bamidele N/6185 Student
44 Maj FU Bassey N/6018 Student
45 Maj BD Botsha N/6179 Student
46 Maj A Bala N/6276 Student
47 Maj UAM Balami N/6274 Student
48 Maj S Bature N/6085 Student
49 Maj MS Danbatta N/6063 Student
50 Maj BB Daranijo N/6243 Student
51 Maj AN Ebiringa N/5506 Student
52 Maj CO Egharevba N/4222 Student
53 Maj SO Gbenro N/4646 Student
54 Maj VS Kure N/5483 Student
55 Maj CUM La’ah N/6092 Student
56 Maj MF Leramoh N/2889 Student
57 Maj AJ Mbaka N/6317 Student
58 Maj MS Mgonja P/6234  
59 Maj VU Mukoro N/6265 Student
60 Maj C Mungu N/5502 Student
61 Maj ID Nock N/6187 Student
62 Maj RN Nwankwo N/6197 Student
63 Maj CD Nwanbuowo N/5587 Student
64 Maj I Nyananyo N/6192 Student
65 Maj E Nzenwa    N/3039 Student
66 Maj A Obioro-Okeke N/5604 Student
67 Maj F Ogbebor N/5460 Student
68 Maj TJ Ogunjobi N/6116 Student
69 Maj DO Okoboh N/6047 Student
70 Maj AH Dombe N/3477 Student
71 Maj E Egoro N/3432 Student
72 Maj AB Femowei N/5936 Student
73 Maj AB Ibrahim GH/1901 Ghana
74 Maj G Ismaila N/3474 Student
75 Maj AA Itodo N/6043 Student
76 Maj P Iyayi N/6069 Student
77 Maj SA Jubunoh N/6173 Student
78 Maj G Josiah N/3462 Student
79 Maj B Kadiri N/5489 Student
80 Maj NA Kajere N/6281 Student
81 Maj IJ Raiya N/6244 Student
82 Maj M Samuel N/6246 Student
83 Maj P Stephen N/3389 Student
84 Maj JA Tokula N/5484 Student
85 Maj J Ugo N/3356 Student
86 Maj E Ukagha N/6299 Student
87 Maj T Zubair N/5465 Student
88 Maj SD Yawus N/5956 Student
89 Maj OO Mbah N/5945 Student
90 Maj A Mshelia N/6268 Student
91 Maj K Malazi 7833T Chad
92 Maj IE Muazu N/6181 Student
93 Maj IK Nwuke N/5470 Student
94 Maj MS Ogbeha N/6242 Student
95 Maj CE Ogbenjuwa N/5102 Student
96 Maj GN Nze N/6348 Student
97 Maj N Obie N/6195 Student
98 Maj IU Odache N/3482 Student
99 Maj OA Ogunnaike N/6032 Student
100 Maj SA Oisamoje N/6328 Student
101 Maj RA Okeowo N/6291 Student
102 Maj DO Okoroji N/6253 Student
103 Maj SO Omaga N/6095 Student
104 Maj KA Ogwu N/6058 Student
105 Maj C Otti N/6255 Student
106 Maj G Oyefi N/5467 Student
107 Maj EW Ekanem N/5474 Student
108 Lt Cdr PM Amangbo NN/0453 Student
109 Lt Cdr OO Onabola NN/0455 Student
110 Lt Cdr AN Amaina NN/0467 Student
111 Lt Cdr SO Odusola NN/0529 Student
112 Lt Cdr S Lasisi NN/0526 Student
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