The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that its C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso during a mission to Portugal on December 8.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Tuesday that the crew observed a technical concern after takeoff from Lagos, which required a diversion to the nearest airfield, Bobo-Dioulasso, in accordance with aviation safety procedures.
“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,” Ejodame said.
He confirmed that all NAF crew members are safe and have received cordial treatment from the Burkinabe authorities.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” he added.
The Air Force expressed appreciation for the public’s support and reaffirmed its commitment to operational and safety standards.
Earlier, the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, issued a statement denouncing the aircraft’s emergency landing, describing it as an “unfriendly act.”
The alliance said the aircraft, carrying 11 military personnel, entered Burkinabe airspace without authorisation and announced that air forces of the member countries had been placed on alert to respond to any similar airspace violations.
