Nifemi Babasanmi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that its C-130 aircraft, which landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on 8 December 2025, did so as a precautionary measure following a technical concern observed shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
This followed a statement earlier issued by the Alliance of Sahel States comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso claiming the aircraft was “forced to land” in Burkinabe airspace due to an in-flight emergency.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew detected the issue and diverted to the nearest airfield in line with international aviation safety protocols.
Ejodame dismissed reports suggesting that 11 crew members were detained for airspace violation.
“All NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” he said, adding that arrangements were underway for the mission to continue as planned.
He thanked Nigerians for their support and reassured the public of the Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, operational procedures and global safety standards.
