iDeemlawfulThe Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has offered a formal explanation stating that the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, 2025, was a “precautionary” action prompted by a technical issue and carried out in line with established international aviation procedures.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft touched down in the West African nation due to a “technical concern”.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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,” Ejodame said in a statement on Tuesday.
Air Commodore Ejodame stated that the military transport plane was on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew encountered the issue shortly after departing 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,” the statement read.
This counters the allegations by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, that the aircraft breached its airspace without obtaining required overflight approval.
Although earlier accounts from the AES suggested that the 11 personnel on board (two crew members and nine passengers) were detained and the aircraft held, the NAF has provided a reassuring update.
Ejodame confirmed that all NAF personnel are “safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”
The statement noted that “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” indicating that diplomatic engagement is underway to resolve the situation and ensure the aircraft and crew return to duty.
The NAF reaffirmed its dedication to “strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.”
