Ex-DSS Director Demands Air Force Audit Over Recurring Aircraft Crashes

A former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has called for a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following recurring military aircraft crashes in the country.

Ejiofor urged the Federal Government and Air Force authorities to investigate possible maintenance deficiencies, aircraft airworthiness concerns and personnel training issues to prevent further accidents.

He made the call during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, following a recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that reportedly claimed several lives.

Describing the incidents as alarming, the former DSS director said the repeated crashes required an urgent and thorough assessment of the Air Force’s operations.

“So this crash is just one too many, and I think we need to do internal auditing of the Nigerian Air Force to ensure that the aircraft are airworthy and that the people receive training,” he said.

Ejiofor also identified poor maintenance culture as a broader challenge in Nigeria, stressing the need for a more proactive approach to managing critical equipment and infrastructure.

He warned that the continued loss of military personnel and expensive equipment could not be allowed to persist without a comprehensive investigation into the underlying causes.

“I call for comprehensive internal auditing of both the aircraft and men, because we can’t just continue to lose men, lose equipment, materials, and all that. I think it’s high time the government stepped up its proactive approaches,” he added.

The former DSS director further urged the Air Force leadership to examine its operational procedures and determine whether inadequate maintenance or other factors were contributing to the crashes.

“And the Air Force authorities also have to look inwards to see what it actually is. Is it lack of maintenance or training? I’m sure they are trained,” he said.

He emphasised that a thorough assessment of both aircraft and personnel was necessary to establish the causes of the recurring incidents and safeguard military lives and assets.

The call comes amid concerns over aircraft safety and the need for stronger maintenance oversight and operational accountability within the Nigerian Air Force.