By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
The Nigerian Air Force has explained why one of its C-130 aircraft diverted to Burkina Faso, saying the crew took a precautionary step after detecting a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, the nearest airfield, in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
Ejodame confirmed that personnel on board are safe and are receiving cordial treatment from the host authorities.
He stressed that the diversion strictly followed global aviation safety rules.
The Nigerian Air Force 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. The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
He added that the mission would proceed once necessary assessments were complete, noting that the Air Force remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.
Stonix News had earlier reported that the Government of Burkina Faso said the aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers, landed after allegedly violating its airspace.
The Agence d’Information du Burkina, the country’s state-run news agency, published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States on the development.
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