Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesman confirmed via Twitter that NAF Beechcraft King Air B350i crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure.

Air force spokesman Ibikunle Daroma said that all the seven people on board died in the crash.

Daramola added that a probe into the incident is underway.

Confirming the accident Nigerian Aviation minister said, "A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route, Minna."

“It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of an investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any,” Sirika added.

Witnesses told the local media that the plane was struggling to turnaround and get back to the airport before it exploded.

They said that the crash was terrifying,