The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso, stressing that the incident was purely precautionary and carried out in line with established aviation procedures.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, explained in a statement on Tuesday that the crew detected a “technical concern” shortly after departing Lagos for a ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025.
According to him, the pilots opted to land at the closest suitable airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, as required under international safety rules.
Ejodame said, “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.”
Amid reports suggesting that Burkina Faso had detained the 11 crew members for airspace infractions, Ejodame dismissed the claims, stating that every member of the team “is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities”.
He added that arrangements were already underway to ensure the continuation of the mission. “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” the statement read.
NAF expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their “support received during this period” and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict operational discipline and adherence to global safety standards.
The clarification came hours after the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, condemned the aircraft’s emergency landing, insisting it entered Burkinabe airspace without prior approval. The alliance, in a joint message broadcast on state media, stated that the plane had 11 military personnel on board and described the landing as an “unfriendly act”. It further announced that its air forces had been placed on heightened alert and authorised to “neutralise any aircraft” violating its airspace.
What You Should Know
The Nigerian Air Force’s explanation follows intense speculation after the Sahel alliance publicly criticised the C-130’s emergency landing.
While the alliance accused Nigeria of flying into Burkina Faso without authorisation, NAF maintained that the landing was triggered by a technical issue and aligned with global aviation safety protocols. Despite the diplomatic tension, NAF confirmed that all 11 crew members were treated respectfully and remain unharmed.
The aircraft was en route to Portugal for a scheduled mission, and plans are already in motion for the operation to continue.
