passengers and 12 crew members safely landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday after experiencing a technical fault while in flight. The emergency landing was executed successfully, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew, according to officials.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had deployed its response teams to the runway and placed emergency personnel on high alert as a precaution, ensuring immediate assistance in case of any complications.

Emergency Response Activated

Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that all passengers were evacuated safely and that the aircraft sustained no significant damage. He detailed that the agency responded swiftly after receiving distress alerts through its 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines.

“Following distress alerts, LASEMA activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. “Upon arrival of our response teams, it was confirmed that the aircraft had conducted a forced landing due to technical issues while airborne in Nigerian airspace.”

The statement further highlighted that the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including LASEMA, LASG Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), ensured that the operation proceeded without incident.

Pilot’s Actions and Aircraft Safety

According to the agency, the pilot maintained full control during the emergency and executed a precise landing on the runway. After landing, engineering crews conducted preliminary checks before moving the aircraft to the apron for a detailed inspection and necessary repairs.

“The pilot executed a safe landing with our response teams and other emergency responders on extreme high alert,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. “All passengers were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. In spite of the technical fault, there was no significant damage to the aircraft, which has now been secured on the apron.”

Experts note that such incidents, while rare, demonstrate the importance of emergency preparedness and effective coordination among aviation authorities, airport personnel, and emergency responders. Aviation safety analyst Tunde Adebayo explained, “The successful handling of this event reflects the readiness of both the pilot and airport emergency teams. Prompt coordination and adherence to safety protocols are critical in preventing accidents from escalating.”

Context and Implications

Emergency landings caused by technical faults, although uncommon, are taken seriously in Nigeria’s airspace due to the potential risks involved. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, one of the busiest in West Africa, has experienced similar incidents in the past where swift responses prevented casualties.

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that collaborative multi-agency coordination was key to the successful resolution of Thursday’s incident. He emphasized that emergency operations followed a structured plan, ensuring that both human and material assets were protected.

The airline operator involved in the flight has not publicly disclosed the specific technical issue, and the agency withheld the operator’s name pending further investigation. Aviation experts indicate that identifying and addressing such faults promptly is crucial to maintaining overall flight safety standards and passenger confidence

Authorities are expected to release a full investigation report detailing the cause of the technical fault. Passengers are likely to be rebooked on other flights, and the airline will likely conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance check of the aircraft before it returns to service.

“This incident is a reminder of the importance of routine aircraft maintenance and rigorous pre-flight inspections,” Adebayo said. “Even minor technical issues can necessitate emergency responses, so continual vigilance by operators and regulators is essential.”


The successful emergency landing of a passenger plane with 260 people aboard at Lagos’ busiest airport highlights the effectiveness of coordinated emergency responses and the professionalism of aviation crews. While the technical fault required immediate action, swift execution by the pilot and support teams prevented injuries and minimized aircraft damage, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation safety mechanisms.