The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially stated that the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was a precautionary measure carried out in adherence to due process.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, the aircraft was forced to land in the West African nation due to a “technical concern” observed by the crew.
“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 in a statement on Tuesday.
Read Also: Burkina Faso Grounds Nigerian Military Aircraft, Gives Strong Reason
Despite earlier reports suggesting that Burkinabe authorities had detained the 11 crew members for airspace violation, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, speaking on behalf of the NAF, stated that all NAF personnel “is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”
The NAF statement also noted that “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” and assured the public that the force remains committed to operational procedures and safety standards, thanking Nigerians for the support “received during this period.”
However, the NAF’s statement contrasts sharply with the earlier reaction from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), an alliance of military-led nations including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The AES had collectively denounced the emergency landing, with a joint statement read on state media asserting that the Nigerian C-130 was “forced to land today in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace,” and confirming that the aircraft, carrying 11 military personnel, “did not have permission to fly over Burkina Faso.”
The AES labeled the landing an “unfriendly act,” and issued a collective threat: the air forces of the member countries have been placed on maximum alert and are “authorised to neutralise any aircraft” found to be in violation of the confederation’s airspace.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
