In a statement on Wednesday, Abdullahi Musa, NAMA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the decision to return to Nigeria was made by the pilot based on his assessment of the situation and the perceived safety of landing at the departure airport.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has explained why United Airlines chose to make an air return to Nigeria.

Six people were taken to hospital with injuries but have been discharged, United Airlines said.

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has said contrary to reports, United Airlines flight UAL 613, which departed Lagos en route Washington with 256 passengers and 11 crew members on January 24,

The authorities in Nigeria said that the United Airlines plane had to return to Lagos after the episode. Six people were treated at a hospital, officials said.

In an update, Nigerian officials said an additional 27 passengers and 5 crew members suffered minor injuries in the incident. In all, 38 were hurt.

United Airlines said it was cooperating with U.S. and Nigerian investigators to determine what exactly happened on the flight.

The plane headed back to Nigeria after experiencing "unexpected movement" mid-flight on Friday, Jan. 24, according to multiple reports

The same United Airlines aircraft had a similar issue earlier this week, with a rapid altitude drop prompting a diversion.

Six people were injured on a flight from Nigeria to Virginia. The airline also saw a series technical issues in March.

It is unclear what caused the jolt; United Airlines has said the cause was not severe turbulence, and that it is “working with aviation authorities in the US and Nigeria to understand the cause.”