Max Air flight carrying Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers caught fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident, reported around 7 p.m. local time, was caused by a suspected bird strike, which ignited one of the plane’s engines.
According to a Max Air staff member, the aircraft made a safe emergency landing back at the airport.
In response, Max Air dispatched another plane from Kano to transport stranded passengers to Abuja, while some passengers retrieved their luggage and returned home.
The damaged aircraft remains grounded at the Maiduguri airport, undergoing repairs as authorities investigate.
Aviation experts have expressed concerns about frequent bird strikes and infrastructure challenges at Nigerian airports, calling for enhanced safety measures.
