Senate shift national security summit in honour of 25 officers killed in NAF crash
Senate Postpones National Security Summit in Wake of NAF Aircraft Crash
The Nigerian Senate has announced the postponement of its National Security Summit, originally scheduled for October 12 and 13, 2026. The decision follows the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which resulted in the loss of lives among the officers and crew aboard.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, issued a statement on Tuesday detailing the postponement. He emphasized that the tragic incident necessitated a delay in the summit that aims to address the country’s ongoing security challenges and propose effective solutions for ensuring the safety of citizens and property.
The Senate had completed its zonal public hearings in preparation for the summit when the crash occurred, prompting the decision to defer the event.
In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning, directing that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the nation. In light of this, the Senate has resolved to postpone the summit until a new date can be announced, in honor of the victims.
The Senate extended its condolences to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, and the families of those who lost their lives in the crash. A new date for the National Security Summit will be communicated in the future, and the Senate has appealed for understanding from all stakeholders during this period of mourning.
