A military plane crashed near the Nigerian capital Abuja Airport, killing seven people, news sources reported Sunday.

Iran Press/Africa: A Nigerian Air Force plane crashed as it approached the runway, according to Abuja Airport.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika said the cause of the crash was a technical defect related to the engine.

He added: "This was a King Air 350 military plane that crashed on the way to the city of Mina near the runway of Abuja airport."

The city of Mina is located 110 km northwest of Abuja. 219