The occurrence involved a Challenger 604 aircraft with registration number T7-SEI, which was forced to return to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after take-off on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

According to the NSIB, the aircraft was travelling to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when the crew declared a Mayday distress call after the door separated from the aircraft in flight.

The jet returned to Abuja and landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 4:34 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Nine people were reportedly on board, comprising three crew members and six passengers.

NSIB Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., confirmed that the missing door had been recovered and secured at the bureau’s wreckage hangar.

He said investigators had begun examining the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and that further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed.

The incident prompted an emergency response at Abuja airport, with fire and medical teams placed on standby ahead of the aircraft’s return. Initial reports indicated that the crew issued the distress call while the jet was climbing shortly after departure.

The recovery of the door is expected to assist investigators as they work to establish how it became detached and whether technical, mechanical or other factors contributed to the incident.

The cause of the occurrence has not yet been established. The NSIB’s investigation will seek to determine the relevant circumstances and identify any safety lessons that may help prevent similar incidents.