The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the separation of an aircraft door involving a Challenger 604 operated by Triton.

In a statement, the Bureau said the aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI, was flying from Abuja to Lagos when its crew declared a mayday after the door separated at an altitude of 3,500 feet.

The aircraft subsequently returned to Abuja and landed safely on Runway 22. All nine persons on board, comprising three crew members and six passengers, were accounted for.

The NSIB said the separated door had been recovered and secured as investigators began work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Bureau said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

The incident comes less than two weeks after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5, killing all 25 people on board. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area.

The Nigerian Air Force has since set up a 12-member board to investigate the crash, while the Senate and House of Representatives have moved to examine aircraft maintenance and safety concerns.

In July, an Enugu Air aircraft also veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport. The Embraer E170, which was flying from Lagos to Benin, had 68 people on board, all of whom survived without injuries. The NSIB launched an investigation into the incident, which it later linked in a preliminary report to several factors, including an inoperative autobrake system.

The latest incident adds to renewed attention on aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations into aircraft occurrences in Nigeria.

Five suspected members of a criminal gang accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have been arrested in a joint security operation led by the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the military, police and other security operatives.

The suspects were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14.

Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.

The arrests followed the abduction of 20 prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, while they were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The gunmen attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state. They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.

During the search-and-rescue operation, the police had said their operatives located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately advance because the location was reportedly planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Security agencies later intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.

The latest arrests mark a development in efforts to track down those allegedly responsible for the abduction and dismantle the criminal network.

A security source described the arrests as a major relief, saying security agencies had sustained a manhunt for the suspects.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadique Wase, has commended three senior officers posted out of the Division for their professionalism, loyalty and contributions to the service.

Wase gave the commendation during a send-off ceremony held at the Headquarters Conference Room in Kaduna, where he urged the departing officers to sustain their dedication to duty and remain worthy ambassadors of the Division in their new assignments.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemasu Jingina, the GOC praised the officers for their contributions to the formation, popularly known as the “Stallion Family.”

He urged them to remain focused on their respective career paths and uphold the values and standards of the Nigerian Army wherever they were posted.

Speaking on behalf of the departing officers, Brigadier General Oluwasegun Okungbure expressed gratitude to God for His protection and guidance throughout their service in the Division.

Okungbure also appreciated the GOC for organising the ceremony, while thanking the Chief of Staff, commanders, principal staff officers and colleagues for their support and camaraderie.

He assured the GOC that the departing officers would continue to uphold the Division’s values and represent the formation positively in their new assignments.

In a related development, Wase reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enhance the safety and security of corps members in Kaduna State.

He gave the assurance on October 15, 2026, while receiving the Kaduna State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abubakar Bawa, during a familiarisation visit to the Division’s headquarters in Kaduna.

Bawa said the visit was intended to formally introduce himself and strengthen the existing relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Army.

He acknowledged the Army’s continued support, particularly in providing security for corps members during orientation exercises, and appealed for sustained cooperation to ensure their safety across the state.

Responding, Wase welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting the NYSC in discharging its statutory responsibilities.

He emphasised the importance of the Scheme in promoting national unity, integration and youth development, assuring the delegation of the Army’s continued cooperation.

The engagements, according to the statement, reflected the Division’s commitment to recognising meritorious service and strengthening partnerships with institutions that contribute to national development and security.