A Nigerian military plane crashed while approaching Abuja airport runway on Sunday, killing all seven people on board, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed.

People and rescuers gather at the site where a Nigerian air force plane crashed while approaching the Abuja airport runway on Sunday. (Photo: Agencies)

"This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash," Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola tweeted.

The cause of the incident is still unknown and an immediate investigation has been ordered by the authorities.

Nigeria's minister of aviation Sirika Hadi earlier also confirmed the incident. "We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military," he tweeted.

Minna is a city about 110 kilometers northwest of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Images and videos posted on social media show a blaze at the site with black smoke billowing from the downed aircraft.

(With input from Reuters)