South Sudan Hijacking: Samaritan’s Purse Releases Statement After Dec. 2 Plane Incident

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, an ordinary humanitarian mission turned into a tense, high-risk situation in the skies of South Sudan. What began as a routine flight delivering lifesaving medicine suddenly became an unfolding hijacking incident involving a Samaritan’s Purse Caravan aircraft, its pilot, one staff member, and an unexpected armed assailant.

Yet, in a story that could have easily ended in tragedy, something remarkable happened.

This is the human side of the December 2 hijacking—what occurred, how it ended safely, and why the event is drawing global attention to both the dangers and the heroism embedded within humanitarian aviation.

🔥A Plane Built for Healing… Suddenly Turned Into a Hostage Scene

Every day, humanitarian planes in South Sudan fly into remote villages, carrying medicine, food, and emergency supplies to communities in desperate need.

But on December 2, one aircraft meant for healing became the center of a sudden hijacking attempt.

The Samaritan’s Purse Caravan plane, operating exclusively in Africa, had just taken off on what should have been a peaceful mission—delivering medical supplies to Maiwut to support a mobile health unit serving vulnerable families.

Instead, its pilot found himself staring down the barrel of an armed hijacker mid-flight.

In the world of humanitarian work, risk is part of the mission. But no one expected this.

✈️ The Mission: Transporting Medicine to Maiwut, South Sudan

Before the chaos, the mission was simple:

Deliver essential medical supplies

Support a mobile medical unit serving rural communities

Continue Samaritan’s Purse’s ongoing relief efforts in South Sudan

The Caravan aircraft—a reliable workhorse for remote-area flights—was carrying only the pilot and one staff member, ensuring a light load and quick delivery.

The skies were clear.

The flight path was routine.

Everything was normal… until it wasn’t.

🔫 The Hijacking: What We Know

During the flight, an armed individual on board unexpectedly turned hostile, attempting to take control of the plane. Details of the hijacker’s motive remain undisclosed, but the threat was real, immediate, and dangerous.

Inside the small aircraft, the pilot had almost no room to maneuver and no support crew to intervene.

This was a nightmare scenario in aviation:

isolated airspace, no backup, and an armed hijacker mid-flight.

Yet the pilot remained calm.

His goal became clear:

protect his staff member, protect the plane, and find a way to land safely without catastrophic consequences.

🛬 The Landing: A Risky Decision That Saved Lives

Despite the chaos, the pilot managed to divert the plane toward Wau, South Sudan, a location where the aircraft could land quickly and security personnel could respond.

Landing a hijacked plane is incredibly risky:

The hijacker could panic

The situation could escalate

Any sudden movement could trigger violence

Technical errors could lead to a crash

But through courage, training, and clear-headed thinking, the pilot safely landed in Wau, bringing an end to the immediate danger.

Once on the ground, the National Security Service of South Sudan (NSS) swiftly took action, apprehending the hijacker before further harm could occur.

The landing wasn’t just successful.

It was miraculous.

🙏 A Miracle of Protection: No Serious Injuries Reported

In humanitarian aviation, even minor incidents can become deadly.

But this time, the outcome defied the odds.

According to the official statement:

“We praise God that no one was seriously injured.”

Everyone on board walked away alive.

No passengers.

No casualties.

No fatal crash.

The staff member is safe.

The pilot is safe.

And the hijacker is now in custody.

In an area often plagued by insecurity, this peaceful resolution is nothing short of extraordinary.

🔍 Understanding the Context: Why South Sudan Is High-Risk Airspace

South Sudan, though rich in culture and resilience, faces ongoing instability:

Internal conflict

Banditry and armed groups

Limited road infrastructure

Medical and humanitarian shortages

High dependence on small aircraft for aid

This combination makes humanitarian flights both essential and risky.

Planes become lifelines.

Pilots become frontline workers.

Samaritan’s Purse, which has operated in the region for years, understands these risks—and continues its mission because the need is overwhelming.

But incidents like this are powerful reminders of the challenges humanitarian teams face daily.

🦾 Quick Action by Security Forces

The National Security Service of South Sudan responded with precision:

They met the plane on the ground

Immediately disarmed and detained the hijacker

Ensured the safety of the crew

Stabilized the situation before it escalated

Their swift intervention is now being praised internationally and by Samaritan’s Purse itself.

This cooperation between humanitarian organizations and local authorities is critical in volatile regions—and this incident highlights how impactful that partnership can be.

🗣️ Samaritan’s Purse Responds: A Message of Gratitude and Relief

Shortly after the incident, Samaritan’s Purse released a formal statement confirming:

The hijacking occurred on Dec. 2

The plane was operating within Africa

Only two staff members were onboard

The aircraft landed safely in Wau

The hijacker is now in custody

No serious injuries occurred

Gratitude is extended to God and South Sudanese security forces

The tone of the statement is calm, factual, and deeply thankful.

The organization emphasized:

“We are grateful to the security forces for their support and swift action on the ground to resolve the situation and bring a safe outcome.”

🌍 Why This Story Matters: The Human Side of Humanitarian Work

This hijacking is more than a headline.

It’s a reminder of the unseen sacrifices and risks taken by humanitarian workers who continue to serve in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

People often see:

The aid delivered

The success stories

The humanitarian projects

But they rarely see the danger behind the scenes:

Flights over conflict zones

Unpredictable emergencies

Threats from armed individuals

Limited infrastructure

Constant security concerns

This incident shines a light on the bravery of those who continue to help—no matter the risk.

✝️ Faith, Courage, and Mission

For Samaritan’s Purse, faith is at the heart of the mission.

Their response to the hijacking reflects that foundation—gratitude to God for protection, thankfulness for safety, and continued commitment to serving communities in need.

The safe landing wasn’t just skill.

It wasn’t just training.

It was, in their words, divine intervention meeting human courage.

✨ Final Thoughts: A Story of Danger, Deliverance, and Unbroken Mission

The December 2 hijacking of the Samaritan’s Purse Caravan plane could have ended in tragedy.

Instead, it became a story of:

A brave pilot

A protected crew

Quick action by authorities

A captured hijacker

A mission still ongoing

This event underscores the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations—and the incredible resilience required to keep serving communities in crisis.

Despite the danger, the mission continues.

The need continues.

And the courage continues.

Because in places where hope is scarce, even one safe landing can feel like a miracle.