“Hijack ’93” is a 2024 Nigerian disaster drama film directed by Robert O. Peters and written by Musa Jeffery David. The film is based on the real-life hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight on October 25, 1993, by four young men protesting against the military government. The cast includes Nnamdi Agbo, Adam Garba, Allison Emmanuel, and Oluwaseyi Akinsola as the hijackers, with notable performances by Nancy Isime, Sam Dede, and John Dumelo in supporting roles.
Plot Summary:
The narrative centers on four teenagers—Skipper (Nnamdi Agbo), Eruku (Adam Garba), Owiwi (Allison Emmanuel), and Iku (Oluwaseyi Akinsola)—who, armed with guns, seize control of a Nigerian Airways aircraft. Their demands include the resignation of General Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s Defense Minister at the time, and addressing issues such as government corruption and human rights abuses. The hijacking brings international attention to Nigeria’s political instability, leading to a tense standoff that tests the resolve of both the hijackers and the authorities.
Critical Reception:
The film has received mixed reviews. Noghama Ehioghae of African Folder rated it 3.6 out of 10, stating that it was a “failed attempt to convey both the emotional weight and historical significance of the events,” citing a lack of backstory for the hijackers. Conversely, Neerja Choudhuri of Midgard Times described “Hijack ’93” as a “well-crafted thriller,” praising its screenplay and the “outstanding performances” by the cast, giving it an 8 out of 10 rating. Omoleye Omoruyi of Technext24 was more critical, awarding the film 2 out of 10 stars and criticizing it for being a “jumble of loosely connected scenes and uninspired storytelling.”
Awards and Recognition:
As of now, there is no information available regarding any awards won by “Hijack ’93.”
Popularity and Viewership:
Upon its release on Netflix on October 25, 2024, “Hijack ’93” garnered significant viewership, amassing 3.2 million views and securing the 9th spot in Netflix Nigeria’s top 10 list during its debut week. By November 12, 2024, the film ranked third on the Netflix Global Chart for most-watched English films, with 7.3 million views, and entered the Top 10 across 61 countries, marking it as only the second Nigerian film to achieve such extensive global reach.
| Directed by | Robert O. Peters |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Edited by | Johan Venter |
| Music by | Gray Jones Ossai |
|
Production
companies |
|
| Distributed by | Netflix |
|
Release date
|
|
|
Running time
|
86 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Languages |
|
Additional Information:
The film has sparked discussions about its portrayal of historical events, with some critics noting that it offers a perspective on Nigeria’s political history that may not be widely known internationally. The real-life hijackers have since become advocates for democracy and political engagement, adding a layer of depth to the film’s narrative.
For viewers interested in political dramas and historical events, “Hijack ’93” provides a cinematic portrayal of a significant moment in Nigeria’s history.
