December 09, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed claims by Burkina Faso that one of its C-130 transport aircraft breached the country’s airspace, clarifying that the aircraft diverted and landed in Bobo-Dioulasso due to a technical issue detected shortly after takeoff.
Earlier reports indicated that Burkinabe authorities said the aircraft was forced to land after allegedly entering their airspace without clearance.
But in a statement on Tuesday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft — which was on a ferry mission to Portugal — made a precautionary landing on Monday in line with global aviation safety protocols.
Ejodame explained that the crew observed a technical concern soon after departing Lagos and diverted to the nearest airfield as a safety measure, a standard procedure in both military and civil aviation.
He stressed that all personnel onboard were safe and had been treated with courtesy by Burkinabe authorities.
“The Nigerian Air Force 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 NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” the statement read.
Ejodame added that technical assessments were ongoing and that the aircraft would resume its mission once cleared.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that it remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards,” he said.
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