The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained why its C-130 aircraft landed at Bobo-Dioulassoin airfield in Burkina Faso.
NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the clarification in a statement, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the NAF C-130 aircraft, on a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8, developed a technical problem a few minutes after take-off from Lagos, Nigeria, and had to make a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield.
This is contrary to reports in some sections of the media that Burkina Faso’s military authorities seized the aircraft and 11 Nigerian military officers, due to violation of its airspace.
The statement stated that the landing at the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
The statement read, “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.
“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”
The statement affirms that the NAF crew are safe and that they received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” it said.
The NAF expressed appreciation for the support it received during the period, and assured the public that NAF remains “professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”