Hijack '93
{{Short description|2024 Nigeria drama film}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| italic_title =
| name = Hijack 93
| image = Hijack'93.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Robert O. Peters
| writer =
| screenplay = {{Plainlist|
- Musa Jeffery David
}}
| story =
| producer = {{Plainlist|
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Allison Emmanuel
- Adam Garba
- Nnamdi Agbo
- Oluwaseyi Akinsola
- Akash Singh
- Jessica Loraine
- Bob Manuel
- Nancy Isime
- Sam Dede
- John Dumelo
- Sharon Ooja
}}
| cinematography =
| editing = Johan Venter
| music = Gray Jones Ossai
| studio = {{Plainlist|
- Netflix
- Play Network Studios
- Native Media
}}
| distributor = Netflix
| released = {{Film date|2024|10|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 86 minutes
| country = Nigeria
| language = {{Plainlist|
- English
- French
}}
| budget =
| gross =
}}
Hijack '93 is a 2024 Nigerian disaster film directed by Robert O. Peters and written by Musa Jeffery David. It is based on the 1993 Nigerian Airways hijack.{{Cite web |last=Custodian |first=Culture |date=23 October 2024 |title=Revisiting History: Hijack '93 Cast Discuss the Film's Reflection of Nigeria's Collective Consciousness |url=https://culturecustodian.com/revisiting-history-hijack-93-cast-discuss-the-films-reflection-of-nigerias-collective-consciousness/ |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |language=en-GB}} The film stars Nnamdi Agbo, Adam Garba, Allison Emmanuel, Oluwaseyi Akinsola, Sam Dede, Bob Manuel, John Dumelo, Idia Aisien, Nancy Isime, Efa Iwara, and Sharon Ooja. It portrays a group of four teenagers who hijack a Nigerian aircraft, demanding Ibrahim Babangida, the country's Defense Minister, to resign from office.
Hijack 93 premiered on Netflix on 25 October 2024.{{Cite web |last=Azeez |first=Kareem |date=3 October 2024 |title=Netflix unveils trailer for Hijack '93 |url=https://guardian.ng/life/film/netflix-unveils-trailer-for-hijack-93/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=The Guardian Nigeria|language=en-US}} Upon release, it gained substantial viewership, amassing 3.2 million views and securing the 9th spot in Netflix Nigeria's top 10 list during its debut week marking it as the fourth Nollywood title of 2024 to achieve this milestone.
Plot
{{More plot|date=February 2025}}
Four boys: Skipper, Eruku, Owiwi, and Iku drive to the airport and board a Nigerian airways Boeing 747. The aircraft pilots are Captains Ambrose and Odion, and it is scheduled to depart from Lagos to Abuja on 25 October 1993. Shortly after takeoff, the four armed teenagers take control of the aircraft announcing that they are members of MAD (Movement for the Actualization of Democracy). They demand that the pilots changes location to Frankfurt in Germany. As passengers panic, the group reveals their intention saying that they want the resignation of Sani Abacha, the Defence Minister of Nigeria.
The aircraft eventually lands in Niamey because of low fuel, but has caught news and international media. The Nigerian authorities begin a rescue operation. Owiwi is angry that the plane lands in Niger and he threatens to kill one of the passengers in order to show it. Captain Kenneth Dokunbo, commander of the special forces, takes charge. He and others discover Lee Zhang, the son of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria on the plane. He realizes that a rescue mission would potentially subdue the hijackers, but they cannot risk the life of Rong Yiren, the vice president of China. The hijackers release women and children and indicate that they would surrender if their demands are met.
Cast
= Hijackers =
- Nnamdi Agbo as Omar (Skipper)
- Adam Garba as Kayode (Eruku)
- Allison Emmanuel as Ben (Owiwi)
- Oluwaseyi Akinsola as Dayo (Iku)
= Crew =
{{Multiple image
| perrow = 4/5
| total_width = 380
| image1 = Sharon Ooja on Ndanitv.png
| image2 = Nancy Isime at AMVCA 2020 24 (cropped).jpg
| image3 = Efe Iwara at the 2021 AMA Award 01.jpg
| footer = {{Plainlist|
- Crew Members: (left to right) Sharon Ooja, Nancy Isime and Efa Iwara
}}
}}
- Sharon Ooja as Ada
- Nancy Isime as Iyabo
- Jemima Osunde as Temitope
- Idia Aisien as Ese
- John Dumelo as Captain Ambrose{{Cite web |last=Biswas |first=Upamanyu |date=25 October 2024 |title=Hijack '93: Is Captain Ambrose Based on a Real Nigerian Airways Pilot? |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/hijack-93-captain-ambrose/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=The Cinemaholic |language=en-US}}
- Efa Iwara as Captain Odion
= Supporting characters =
- Bob Manuel as Lieutenant Dokunbo
- Jessica Lorraine as Marie
- Sam Dede as Mallam Jerry
- Ego Nwosu as Rev Sis Lola
- Kalu Ikeagwu as Ben Senior
- Pasha Bay as Captain Gana
- David A. Obasa as Dr Moussa
- Akash Singh as Lee Zhang
- Freddie George as Mazi Igbokwe
- Sani Mua'za as Judge Tanko
- Yakubu Mohammed as Usman
Production
= Development =
On May 2021, it was announced that three Nigerian filmmakers Rogers Ofime, Charles Okpaleke, and Agozie Ugwu along with Play Network Studios, Native Media TV, and UK-based filmmaker Femi Oyeniran, had teamed up to produce a new film, Hijack 93,{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=31 May 2021 |title=Charles Okpaleke is Developing a Storyline Based on 1993 Nigerian Airways Jet Hijack |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/05/charles-okpaleke-is-developing-a-storyline-based-on-1993-nigerian-airways-jet-hijack/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Nwogu |first=Precious 'Mamazeus' |date=16 November 2021 |title=Rogers Ofime & Agozie Ugwu to produce Play Network's 'Hijacked 93' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/hijacked-93-play-network-unveil-rogers-ofime-and-agozie-ugwu-as-producers/16q9ly1 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}} based on the true story of the 1993 plane hijacking. The production received support from the United Kingdom's Department of International Trade (DIT) and the British Film Institute (BFI),{{Cite web |last=BBFC |title=Hijack '93 |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/hijack-93-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdi1ndiz |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=www.bbfc.co.uk |language=en}} to bring the event to life through cinema.{{Cite web |last=Rapheal |date=21 July 2022 |title=Rogers Ofime, Charles Okpaleke and Agozie Ugwu collaborate to produce 'The Hijack 93' |url=https://thesun.ng/rogers-ofime-charles-okpaleke-and-agozie-ugwu-collaborate-to-produce-the-hijack-93/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=The Sun Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Nollywood, UK Govt Partner in New Film 'Hijack 93: The Mad Men and the Aircraft' – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/07/15/nollywood-uk-govt-partner-in-new-film-hijack-93-the-mad-men-and-the-aircraft/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}{{Cite web |last=Obinna |first=Emelike |date=15 July 2022 |title=Hijack 93: The Mad Men & The Aircraft |url=https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/hijack-93-the-mad-men-the-aircraft/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Businessday NG |language=en-US}}
= Filming =
Principal photography began in May 2023 at Play Network Studios in Nigeria,{{Cite web |title="Hijack '93 Brings Nigeria's Forgotten History to Netflix Screens |url=https://thenollywoodreporter.com/film/hijack-93-brings-nigerias-forgotten-history-to-netflix-screens/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Nollywood Reporter |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Acho |first=Affa |date=24 July 2022 |title=Play Network Studios, Native Media Collaborate For New Movie "The Hijack 93" |newspaper=Leadership News |url=https://leadership.ng/play-network-studios-native-media-collaborate-for-new-movie-the-hijack-93/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |language=en-US}} who previously collaborated with Charles Okpaleke on the Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story , and Glamour Girls.{{Cite web |title=Play Network Studios Set for 'Hijack 93' – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/06/03/play-network-studios-set-for-hijack-93/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}} The announcement was made by Charles Okpaleke, stating,
Remember the story of the teenagers that hijacked a Nigerian Airways plane headed to Abuja and diverted it to Niger in 1993? The 4 boys (who are in their 50's now) went to prison for over a decade. I was privileged to interview 3 of them 2 years ago and they gave me a detailed explanation on how they carried out the first ever plane hijack in Nigeria. Their story is now being adapted into a feature film for the world to see by Play Network Studios and Native media.{{Cite web |last=Udodiong |first=Inemesit |date=2023-05-12 |title=Principal photograpghy kicks off on 'Hijack 93: The Mad Men & The Aircraft' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/principal-photograpghy-kicks-off-on-hijack-93-the-mad-men-and-the-aircraft/hrpw2lb |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}
= Post-production =
In 2023, Charles Okpaleke shared behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos from the set of Hijack 93: The Mad Men & The Aircraft. He mentioned on Instagram that Efa Iwara plays the role of co-pilot alongside John Dumelo. In his post, Okpaleke revealed that the actors underwent three months of training at aviation school and that filming had wrapped up, entering an extensive post-production phase.{{Cite web |last=Udodiong |first=Inemesit |date=31 May 2023 |title=Go behind the scenes of 'Hijack 93: The Mad Men & The Aircraft' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/go-behind-the-scenes-of-hijack-93-the-mad-men-and-the-aircraft/qgt6hq3 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}
Historical accuracy
File:Nigeria Airways A310-200 5N-AUH FCO Aug 1989.png Airbus A310-221, registration 5N-AUH, involved to the hijack]]
{{Main|1993 Nigerian Airways hijack}}
The 1993 Nigerian Airways hijack was an aviation incident on 25 October 1993, involving a domestic Nigerian Airways flight. The Nigerian Airways Airbus A310-221 aircraft, flight WT-470 was en route from Lagos to Abuja, Nigeria, carrying 132 passengers and 11 crew members.{{Cite web |date=20 June 2009 |title='Our June 12 Plane hijack story'-Richard Ogunderu |url=https://saharareporters.com/2009/06/20/%E2%80%98our-june-12-plane-hijack-story%E2%80%99-richard-ogunderu |access-date=15 June 2022 |website=Sahara Reporters}}{{Cite web |title=Hijacked Nigeria Airways aircraft pilot dies at 84|url=https://aviationline.ng/hijacked-nigeria-airways-aircraft-pilot-dies-at-84/|access-date=14 February 2025 |website=Aviation Line}}
The incident occurred during political instability in Nigeria following the annulment of the 12 June 1993, presidential election, which had been widely considered free and fair. The annulment, by military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida, led to widespread protests and civil unrest, culminating in a tense political climate.{{Cite web |last=Odom |first=Dani Kessel |date=4 November 2024 |title=Hijack '93 True Story: What Really Happened During The Nigerian Airways Flight |url=https://screenrant.com/hijack-93-true-story-nigerian-airways-flight/ |access-date=5 November 2024 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}} Following Babangida's resignation, Chief Ernest Shonekan was interim president in August 1993, but his administration faced significant opposition.{{Cite web |title=Spotlights on 1993 Hijack History – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/10/26/spotlights-on-1993-hijack-history/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}
The film portrays the hijacking as being orchestrated by Mallam Jerry Yusuf, a political teacher and revolutionary, leader of the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD),"a rebel group operating in the country.{{Cite web |title=BBC World Service - Witness History, The 1993 MAD hijack |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4xk3 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title='Our June 12 Plane hijack story'-Richard Ogunderu {{!}} Sahara Reporters |url=https://saharareporters.com/2009/06/20/%E2%80%98our-june-12-plane-hijack-story%E2%80%99-richard-ogunderu |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=saharareporters.com}} The hijackers initially intended to divert the plane to Frankfurt, Germany or Kotoko, Ghana, and it was reported that there were no casualties or loss of passenger lives.{{Cite web |last=Augoye |first=Jayne |date=16 July 2022 |title=29 years after, Nigerian filmmakers to produce movie on 1993 Nigerian Airways hijack |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/543050-29-years-after-nigerian-filmmakers-to-produce-movie-on-1993-nigerian-airways-hijack.html?tztc=1 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=www.premiumtimesng.com}} However, the film dramatizes the events, depicting a scene where a passenger is shot and killed by one of the hijackers.{{Cite web |last=Mukhopadhyay |first=Subho |date=31 October 2024 |title=Is Hijack '93 based on a true story? Details explored in depth |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/entertainment/is-hijack-93-based-true-story-details-explored-depth |access-date=1 November 2024 |website=www.soapcentral.com |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Gopesh |first=Sushrut |date=26 October 2024 |title='Hijack '93' Movie Ending Explained & True Story: What Happened To The Hijackers? |url=https://dmtalkies.com/hijack-93-movie-ending-explained-true-story-2024/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=The True Story of 'Hijack '93': Why 4 Young Men Hijacked a Nigerian Plane in 1993 — And Where They Are Now |url=https://people.com/nigerian-plane-hijackers-where-are-they-now-8737767 |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=People.com |language=en}}
= Negotiations and resolution =
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with Nigerien authorities, engaged in negotiations with the hijackers. After hours of tense discussions, the hijackers, Richard Ajibola Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi and Kenny Razak-Lawal, agreed to release the hostages in exchange for safe passage. During the negotiations, one passenger was reported to have been killed, although details about the circumstances of the death remain unclear.{{Cite web |title=Hijacked Nigerian Airways Jet Stops in Niger, Most Passengers Released |url=https://apnews.com/article/8b11794f9daabb719de9ec5820a71c67 |access-date=15 June 2022 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}
The standoff ended peacefully after they surrendered to Nigerien authorities. They were later extradited to Nigeria, where they faced charges related to the hijacking.{{Cite news |date=26 October 1993 |title=Foes of Nigeria Rulers Hijack Plane to Niger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/26/world/foes-of-nigeria-rulers-hijack-plane-to-niger.html |access-date=15 June 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |agency=Associated Press}}
Release
On 3 October 2024, Netflix released a trailer for the film.{{Cite web |last=Eti-Inyene |first=Brooks |date=3 October 2024 |title=Netflix Unveils Trailer for Upcoming Film, 'Hijack '93,' premiering this October |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/netflix-unveils-trailer-for-upcoming-film-hijack-93coming-this-october/2rpw4ee |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Augoye |first=Jayne |date=3 October 2024 |title=Watch trailer for Hijack '93, premiering October on Netflix (VIDEO) |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/741595-watch-trailer-for-hijack-93-premiering-october-on-netflix-video.html |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=24 October 2024 |title=Hijack '93 OTT release date Netflix: When to watch retelling of Nigerian's thrilling history |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/binge/when-to-watch-nigerian-film-hijack-93-online-ott-netflix-release-date-644488.html |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Indiatimes |language=en-IN}} The film was released in theaters in Nigeria on 25 October 2024, by Play Network Studios, in partnership with Netflix.{{Cite web |last=Bada |first=Gbenga |date=26 October 2024 |title=Hijack '93 debuts on Netflix |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/hijack-93-debuts-on-netflix/#google_vignette |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=The Nation (Nigeria)}}{{Cite web |date=24 October 2024 |title=Hijack '93 OTT release date Netflix: When to watch retelling of Nigerian's thrilling history |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/binge/when-to-watch-nigerian-film-hijack-93-online-ott-netflix-release-date-644488.html |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Indiatimes |language=en-IN}}{{Cite web |last=Sulaimon |first=Muhibat |date=3 October 2024 |title=TRAILER: 'Hijack '93' premieres Oct 25 — starring John Dumelo, Nancy Isime |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/trailer-hijack-93-premieres-oct-25-starring-john-dumelo-nancy-isime/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=TheCable Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
Reception
= Audience viewership =
Following its premiere on 25 October 2024, Hijack '93 quickly garnered significant viewership on Netflix, amassing 3.2 million views and securing a spot in Netflix Nigeria's top 10 list within its debut week. The film achieved notable success by reaching 9th place in Netflix's Nigeria rankings, making it the fourth Nollywood title of 2024 to enter these rankings.{{Cite web |last=Dan-Awoh |first=Deborah |date=31 October 2024 |title=Play Network's 'Hijack '93' enters Netflix's top 10 with 3.2M views |url=https://nairametrics.com/2024/10/31/play-networks-hijack-93-enters-netflixs-top-10-with-3-2m-views/ |access-date=1 November 2024 |website=Nairametrics |language=en-US}} on 12 November 2024, Hijack '93 ranked third on the Netflix Global Chart for most-watched English films, amassing 7.3 million views.{{Cite web |last=Eti-Inyene |first=Brooks |date=12 November 2024 |title=Historical drama, 'Hijack '93' ranks third on the Netflix Global Chart |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/historical-drama-hijack-93-ranks-third-on-the-netflix-global-chart/31jr21q |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}} It secured a spot in the Top 10 across 61 countries, marking it as only the second Nigerian film to achieve such extensive global reach.{{Cite web |last=Dan-Awoh |first=Deborah |date=7 November 2024 |title=Hijack '93 climbs to No. 3 on Netflix global chart, Enters top 10 in 61 Countries |url=https://nairametrics.com/2024/11/07/hijack-93-climbs-to-no-3-on-netflix-global-chart-enters-top-10-in-61-countries/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Nairametrics |language=en-US}}
= Critical response =
Noghama Ehioghae of African Folder rated Hijack '93 a 3.6 out of 10, describing it as a "failed attempt to convey both the emotional weight and historical significance of the events." Ehioghae noted that the film's lack of backstory for the kidnappers makes it difficult for viewers to understand the events and the motivations behind the airplane hijacking.{{Cite web |last=Ehioghae |first=Noghama |title=Hijack '93 Review: Nigerian Disaster Film Falls Short Of True-Life Depth |url=https://africanfolder.com/hijack-93-review/ |access-date=5 November 2024 |website=africanfolder.com |language=en}}
Neerja Choudhuri of Midgard Times described Hijack '93 as a "well-crafted thriller," praising the film's screenplay. She remarked, "The screenplay does a commendable job capturing the high stakes inside the plane, with tensions mounting as the hours tick by." Neerja also commended the "outstanding performances" by the cast and gave the film an 8 out of 10 rating.{{Cite web |last=Choudhuri |first=Neerja |title='Hijack '93' Netflix Movie Review - Looking at the Past |url=https://moviesr.net/p-hijack-93-netflix-movie-review-looking-at-the-past |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=moviesr.net |language=en}}
Omoleye Omoruyi of Technext24 awarded Hijack '93 a rating of 2 out of 10 stars, criticizing the film for offering "the bait of historical intrigue" but ultimately delivering "a jumble of loosely connected scenes and uninspired storytelling." According to Omoruyi, while the film spotlights a compelling historical event, it falls short in effectively conveying its narrative, coming across as "less of a movie and more of a rushed montage." He concludes, "We came to experience history; instead, we were hijacked by cliché."{{Cite web |date=30 October 2024 |title=Hijack '93 is a brilliant throwback—for anyone craving hollow emotions and bland dialogue - Technext |url=https://technext24.com/2024/10/30/hijack-93-is-not-a-brilliant-throwback/ |access-date=1 November 2024 |language=en-GB}}
= Response from hijackers family =
On 26 October 2024, Pa Yemi Ogunderu, the father of Richard Ogunderu, one of the hijackers involved in the 1993 Nigerian Airways hijacking to protest the annulment of the 1993 presidential election,{{Cite web |date=20 June 2009 |title='Our June 12 Plane hijack story'-Richard Ogunderu |url=https://saharareporters.com/2009/06/20/%E2%80%98our-june-12-plane-hijack-story%E2%80%99-richard-ogunderu |access-date=15 June 2022 |website=Sahara Reporters}} widely believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola—shared his thoughts in an interview regarding the film. He stated, "Richard was never a violent child, and I could never have expected such actions from him. He is an easygoing person, and he has no regrets. His only regret is that he wishes he had stayed in Niger Republic, where he had become a household name."{{Cite web |last=Adetunji |first=Temitope |date=26 October 2024 |title=My son, three friends don't regret hijacking Nigerian Airways plane with toy guns over annulment of 1993 election – Pa Ogunderu |url=https://punchng.com/my-son-three-friends-dont-regret-hijacking-nigerian-airways-plane-with-toy-guns-over-annulment-of-1993-election-pa-ogunderu/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}
References
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External links
- {{IMDb title}}
- {{Netflix title}}
Category:2020s English-language films
Category:Nigerian action thriller films
Category:Nigerian crime thriller films
Category:Nigerian films based on actual events
Category:2024 action thriller films
Category:Films about aircraft hijackings
Category:Films set on airplanes
Category:Action films based on actual events
Category:Crime thriller films based on actual events
Category:English-language French films
Category:Films about corruption