The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed claims that one of its C-130 transport aircraft violated Burkina Faso’s airspace, explaining that the aircraft diverted and landed in the country strictly for safety reasons.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the diversion was prompted by a technical issue detected shortly after the aircraft departed Lagos on 8 December 2025 for a ferry mission to Portugal.
According to him, the crew followed international aviation protocols by diverting to the nearest available airfield, which was Bobo-Dioulasso Airport in Burkina Faso.
Ejodame added that all NAF personnel onboard are safe and have been treated “cordially” by Burkinabe authorities.
Crew safe, mission to continue
The Air Force spokesperson confirmed that plans are already in place to ensure the aircraft continues its mission once the technical issue is resolved.
“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, the nearest suitable airfield,” the statement said.
“The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities. Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled.”
Ejodame reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to strict operational and safety standards, thanking the public and international partners for their support.
Background: Burkina Faso earlier reported airspace violation
Earlier, Burkina Faso’s state-run Agence d’Information du Burkina reported that a Nigerian military aircraft carrying 11 soldiers had been compelled to land after allegedly entering its airspace without authorisation.
The report, attributed to the Confederation of Sahel States, claimed the aircraft violated Burkinabe airspace — a claim the Nigerian Air Force has now firmly clarified as inaccurate.
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