Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, explained that the aircraft landed in Burkina Faso due to a “technical concern.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, he said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Shortly after departing Lagos, the crew detected a technical issue that required a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso—the closest available airfield—following standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”
Although reports had circulated claiming that Burkinabe authorities detained 11 crew members for violating airspace, Ejodame emphasized that all NAF personnel “are safe and have been treated courteously by the host authorities.”
“Arrangements are underway to continue the mission as planned,” the statement added.
The NAF expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the support “received during this period” and reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to adhering strictly to operational procedures and safety standards.
Earlier, the Sahel’s allied military-led nations condemned the emergency landing of a Nigerian military aircraft in Burkina Faso on Monday and collectively warned of potential action against any airspace violations.
The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, stated in a joint release that the aircraft, carrying 11 military personnel, lacked authorization to enter Burkinabe airspace.
According to the statement, broadcast on state media across the three countries, “A C-130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace.”
The alliance described the landing as an “unfriendly act” and announced that the member states’ air forces had been placed on maximum alert, with authority to “neutralise any aircraft” found violating their airspace.
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