The Nigerian military has forcefully rejected reports claiming that one of its aircraft was conducting a “clandestine intelligence operation” in Burkina Faso, labeling the claims as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts.”
A “competent source” speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) clarified that the aircraft was on a “duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled periodic depot maintenance,” which is a “routine requirement in the lifecycle of military transport aircraft.”
The source confirmed the aircraft had “no operational tasking or intelligence mission” and was covered by all necessary flight documentation, including provisions for diversion, in line with international aviation standards.
The landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was described as a “precautionary landing… initiated purely on safety grounds and in strict compliance with established aviation protocols.”
The military source strongly refuted the adversarial narrative, stating:“At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land or operating without authorisation. Claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications.”
Furthermore, the source dismissed “allegations of espionage, signals intelligence operations, foreign sponsorship or external network involvement.”
It was added that the personnel on board were “standard aircrew and mission-support officers on a legitimate military air movement,” and that:“The aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems of any kind, and the interaction between Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew has remained professional.”
Contrary to online speculation, the source clarified that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has “issued no official statement… claiming that the crew had been released.”
They stressed that issues relating to the aircraft and its personnel are being “responsibly handled by relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels,” conforming to international norms and bilateral relations.
The spread of these reports was categorized as a “deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining public trust and straining regional relations.”
The source concluded by urging Nigerians to “remain calm, rely on verified information and disregard sensational narratives” that could threaten regional stability, adding:“In an era of heightened information warfare, citizens must engage national security matters with discernment and responsibility.”
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