The Nigerian Air Force has moved to clarify reports surrounding the diversion of one of its C 130 aircraft to Burkina Faso, stressing that the landing was a precautionary safety decision, not an act of airspace violation as suggested in some accounts from Ouagadougou.
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The aircraft, which departed Lagos on 8 December 2025 for a ferry mission to Portugal, made an unscheduled landing in Bobo Dioulasso after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff. According to the Air Force, the pilot diverted to the nearest available airfield strictly in line with international aviation protocols.
In a statement signed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the service confirmed that all personnel on board are safe and receiving cordial treatment from 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,” the statement said. “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, 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.”
Ejodame added that plans are already underway for the aircraft to resume its scheduled mission once the technical issue is resolved, reaffirming NAF’s commitment to operational discipline and strict safety standards.
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Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s government, through the Agence d Information du Burkina, reported that the aircraft carrying 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel was “forced” to land after allegedly entering its airspace without proper clearance. The claim was published alongside a statement issued in the name of the Confederation of Sahel States.
The differing accounts have drawn attention across West Africa, but NAF insists the diversion was entirely procedural and carried out in the best interest of crew safety.
