A Chadian national has been taken into custody in South Sudan after allegedly trying to hijack a humanitarian aircraft, according to state officials.

The attempted hijacking occurred on Monday during a domestic flight run by the aid group Samaritan’s Purse.

Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State reported that the man threatened the pilot with a gun and demanded to be flown to Chad.

The aircraft, which had been travelling from Juba to Maiwut County in Upper Nile State, was instead diverted to Wau airport, where it landed without incident.

All twelve passengers and crew were reported safe, and the aircraft later proceeded back to Juba.

Officials say a formal investigation is underway.

On Wednesday, the state Minister of Roads, Bridges and Transport, Julio Bensensio Mungo, announced that operations at Wau airport had resumed normally after a short disruption.

“Media outlets were asking many questions because the public didn’t know what had transpired,” Mungo told journalists.

“We want to assure citizens that everything is under control. Through coordination with security organs, the aircraft returned safely to Juba,” he added.

Mungo noted that despite the ongoing investigation, all airport services are now fully restored.