NSS arrests armed suspect after attempted plane hijacking in Wau

WAU – Authorities have arrested an armed man suspected of attempting to hijack a humanitarian aircraft operated by Samaritan’s Purse, after the pilot successfully diverted and landed the plane in Wau on Tuesday, officials and aid workers confirmed.

The Caravan aircraft, which was transporting medicines to a mobile medical unit in Maiwut in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, was carrying only the pilot and one staff member when the incident unfolded on December 2.

According to a statement released Thursday, an armed individual on board attempted to seize control of the plane mid-flight.

“The pilot was eventually able to land the plane in Wau, South Sudan, where the armed hijacker was taken into custody by the National Security Service,” the organisation said in a statement issued Wednesday. However, the charity organisation did not reveal the identity of the suspect.

On Tuesday, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) confirmed the diversion of the plane to Wau, stating that the plane landed safely with no injuries reported. The authority, however, did not publicly link the diversion to a hijacking attempt.

“The situation was immediately contained through coordinated efforts between the flight crew, local airport authorities, and security agencies,” the SSCAA said, noting that details were still under investigation.

Security sources told Sudans Post that the diversion was prompted by an attempt to force the plane to change course and fly toward neighbouring Chad. The pilot reportedly regained control of the aircraft before executing a safe landing in Wau.

Following the touchdown, NSS operatives swiftly took the suspected hijacker into custody. Authorities have not released the identity of the individual or revealed potential motives, but a joint investigation involving aviation and security agencies is underway.

“Relevant security and aviation authorities are currently conducting a joint assessment to establish the facts and determine any necessary follow-up actions,” the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Samaritan’s Purse emphasised that the aircraft involved operates exclusively within Africa and was on a humanitarian mission delivering medical supplies at the time of the incident.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.