Nigeria, May 12 -- Passengers aboard a Max Air flight from Abuja to Katsina on Monday recounted a frightening experience after the aircraft reportedly developed a technical fault shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to make an emergency return to Abuja.

Several passengers who spoke about the incident described hearing loud banging sounds from the aircraft before it reportedly lost altitude briefly and struggled to stabilise, causing panic inside the cabin.

A video shared on Facebook by Gwanda Munirat, a media assistant to the Katsina State Governor, showed passengers gathered outside the aircraft after landing back in Abuja.

In the video, Ms Munirat said the aircraft began shaking minutes after takeoff.

"A few minutes after takeof...