The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that its C-130 transport aircraft, which earlier made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, has continued its journey after undergoing safety checks, allaying public concerns over the welfare of the crew and the status of the aircraft.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Air Force spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft departed Bobo-Dioulasso later in the day and arrived safely in Accra, Ghana, in accordance with a revised flight plan.
“The Nigerian Air Force is pleased to confirm that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with the updated flight plan,” the statement read.
Ejodame explained that the aircraft is now being prepared for onward movement to Portugal through Banjul and Casablanca, where it is scheduled for routine depot maintenance. He said the stopovers form part of standard operational planning.
The incident had earlier attracted widespread attention after reports surfaced about the unexpected landing in Burkina Faso, triggering diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the Burkinabé authorities. Acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, led a delegation to Ouagadougou, where he met with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, before briefing journalists on the outcome of the discussions.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the landing was purely precautionary and carried out in line with international aviation safety regulations. The service stressed that there was no emergency situation and that the aircraft remained serviceable throughout the stopover.
Offering further reassurance, the Air Force said all personnel on board were safe and that the aircraft was fit to continue its mission.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism,” the statement added.
Reports had earlier suggested that the crew of the aircraft was detained following a reaction from the Alliance of Sahel States to the landing. The alliance, which comprises Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, had described the development as an “unfriendly act”, claiming the aircraft did not have clearance to fly over Burkinabé airspace.
In a joint statement broadcast on state media in the three countries, the alliance said the aircraft was carrying 11 military personnel and announced that their air forces had been placed on maximum alert, with authorisation to “neutralise any aircraft” found to violate the confederation’s airspace.
However, the Nigerian Air Force maintained that due process was followed. Ejodame clarified that the aircraft made the landing after the crew observed a technical issue shortly after departure from Lagos.
“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,” he said.
What you should know
The Nigerian Air Force says the C-130 aircraft’s landing in Burkina Faso was a routine safety decision, not a security breach or hostile action.
After inspections, the aircraft safely continued its journey and is now en route for scheduled maintenance in Europe.
Diplomatic engagement helped calm tensions after the Alliance of Sahel States raised concerns, while the NAF insists all procedures followed international aviation standards and that the crew and aircraft were never in danger.
