Franklin Graham’s Relief Plane Hijacked Mid-Mission, But Pilot Outsmarts Him
Patriot Brief
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What Happened:
A Samaritan’s Purse plane delivering medicine in South Sudan was hijacked, forcing the pilot to divert and land safely in Wau. -
Why It Matters:
Both people onboard were unharmed, and South Sudan security forces arrested the armed hijacker immediately after landing. -
Bottom Line:
The Christian nonprofit credited God and local authorities for the safe resolution of the hijacking incident.
A Samaritan’s Purse plane delivering medicine in South Sudan was hijacked Tuesday, forcing the pilot to divert hundreds of miles before safely landing the aircraft in Wau. The North Carolina-based Christian nonprofit, led by Franklin Graham, confirmed the incident and said the hijacker was armed during the flight.
The Caravan airplane had been en route to a mobile medical unit in Maiwut when the hijacking occurred. Despite the threat, the pilot maintained control long enough to reach Wau, about 400 miles away from the intended destination.
WSPA reports:
Authorities said the armed man, identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, had hidden in the rear cabin before takeoff in Juba. Once in the air, he ordered the pilot to divert the flight to Chad, though authorities said his motives remain unclear.
After circling for hours, the pilot reportedly told the gunman the aircraft needed to refuel and safely brought the plane down in Wau, where security arrested the suspect.
Once on the ground, South Sudan’s National Security Service arrested the hijacker.
A Samaritans Purse DC-3TP (N467SP) was hijacked today by an armed individual who had forced the pilot to divert toward Chad, the pilot successfully convinced the individual that the aircraft had insufficient fuel to make it to Chad, diverting to Wau Airport in South Sudan safely. pic.twitter.com/hkEBMIJEBw
— Nick H. ✈︎ (@N214WN) December 2, 2025
“We praise God that no one was seriously injured, and 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,” a Samaritan’s Purse representative said.
In addition to the pilot, one Samaritan’s Purse staff member was onboard during the ordeal.
Samaritan’s Purse, headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, conducts relief and ministry work around the world, frequently flying medicine, food, and emergency aid into crisis zones. The organization has long operated in South Sudan, where medical resources and infrastructure remain limited.
This Christmas, you can give gifts that have an eternal impact! Check out the @SamaritansPurse Christmas Gift Catalog at https://t.co/f2e0tWeWvG. #GivingTuesday pic.twitter.com/lOf3ucGy06
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) December 2, 2025
The motive behind the hijacking has not yet been released, but officials confirmed the situation was resolved without loss of life — a relief to many familiar with the dangers humanitarian teams face in unstable regions.
