Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 other passengers narrowly avoided a tragedy after a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after take-off from Maiduguri International Airport.

Security expert Zagazola Makama revealed via a post on X that the incident happened around 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered an engine failure caused by a bird strike approximately 10 minutes into the flight.

In a swift response, the pilot and crew carried out an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting what could have been a disaster.

Following the emergency landing, panic-stricken passengers reportedly retrieved their luggage and opted to return home instead of continuing their journey.

However, Max Air management arranged for another aircraft from Kano to convey willing passengers, including the Deputy Governor, to Abuja safely.