Hijack '93 2024

The film opens with four members of the Movement for the Actualization of Democracy: Nnamdi Agbo as Skipper, Adam Garba as Eruku, Allison Emmanuel as Owiwi, and Oluwaseyi Akinsola as Iku, portraying Richard Ajibola Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi, and Kenny Razak-Lawal. They drive to Lagos International Airport to board a Nigerian Airways Airbus A310, piloted by Captain Ambrose and Captain Odion, on a routine flight scheduled to depart from Lagos to Abuja on October 25, 1993. Onboard are passengers from various backgrounds, including top government officials, businesspeople, and everyday citizens, all unaware of the ordeal that awaits them. A member of the cabin crew has already hidden weapons and ammunition in the plane’s washroom.

Shortly after takeoff, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when the four armed Nigerian teenagers—Kayode, Owiwi, Omar, and Skipper—take control of the aircraft. They announce, “Ladies and gentlemen, this plane has been taken over by MAD Men; Movement for the Actualization of Democracy… MAD… Remain calm; we will not harm you. You will be informed of where the plane will land.” Tensions escalate as they brandish their weapons, demanding that the pilot change the touch’s course to Frankfurt, Germany. As panic spreads among the passengers, the hijackers reveal their motivations: they demand the resignation of General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s Defense Minister, and call for an end to government corruption and human rights abuses. Through their defiant actions, the hijackers force the world to confront Nigeria’s political instability.

The aircraft eventually touched down in Niamey due to low fuel, prompting negotiations between the hijackers, local authorities, and Nigerian government representatives. Meanwhile, the hijacking attracts international attention, with news networks broadcasting the incident globally.

As time runs out, tensions between the hijackers and hostages reach a critical point. The authorities prepare a risky rescue operation, with Nigerian security forces coordinating efforts to resolve the standoff. As night falls, Owiwi loses his temper when the plane lands in Niger, threatening to kill a passenger to demonstrate his seriousness, even though everyone knows he is unlikely to follow through. Captain Kenneth Dokunbo, commander of the special forces, takes charge of the situation. During this time, they discover that the son (Lee Zhang) of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria is also on the flight. The commander realizes that a rescue mission could potentially subdue the hijackers, but they cannot risk the life of Rong Yiren the vice president of China.

Eventually, the hijackers release women and children, indicating their willingness to surrender, provided their demands are met.