The Nigerian Air Force has dismissed as false the widespread claims that its C 130 aircraft currently grounded in Burkina Faso was forced to land over alleged espionage activity.
The service described the reports as reckless misinformation capable of straining regional relations and fuelling needless panic.
Okay News reports that the aircraft, carrying eleven crew members and engineering personnel, diverted to Bobo Dioulasso on Monday while en route to Portugal.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, clarified the situation in a statement titled False Claims Debunked As Facts Emerge On Nigerian Military Aircraft Ferry Flight And Precautionary Landing in Burkina Faso. He said the circulating allegations were not only inaccurate but deliberately misleading.
According to him, “The claims circulating regarding an alleged clandestine intelligence operation involving a Nigerian military aircraft in Burkina Faso are entirely false, misleading and unsupported by facts.”
Ejodame explained that the aircraft was not on a covert mission but on a scheduled ferry flight. “The aircraft in question was on a duly authorised ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled periodic depot maintenance, a routine and mandatory lifecycle requirement for military transport aircraft and, therefore, had no operational tasking or mission of any kind.”
He stressed that the diversion followed global aviation safety standards. “The flight was covered by necessary flight documentation, including provisions for diversion in line with international aviation procedures. The precautionary landing at Bobo Dioulasso was initiated strictly on safety grounds, in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.”
The Air Force insisted that claims of airspace violation, espionage or interception were fabricated. “At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorisation, and claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment.”
Ejodame added that reports alleging the presence of intelligence operatives on board were unfounded. “The personnel on board were standard aircrew and mission support officers conducting a legitimate military air movement, not intelligence operatives, and the aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data collection systems of any kind.”
He also dismissed claims that NAF had announced the release of the crew. “Furthermore, contrary to online speculation, there was no official statement from the NAF claiming that the crew had been released.”
Ejodame said engagements between Burkinabe authorities and NAF personnel have remained cordial and that diplomatic channels are handling the matter with the appropriate ministries and agencies.
He warned that the viral narrative reflects a broader agenda. “The continued circulation of these narratives reflects a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust, and straining regional relations.”
Calling for restraint, the spokesperson urged citizens to rely only on verified information. “Nigerians are therefore encouraged to remain calm, discerning, and patriotic in their engagement with national security matters.”
He added that spreading falsehoods only undermines national coherence. “Constructive scrutiny is welcome in a democracy, but the amplification of falsehoods only serves the interests of those who seek to weaken national cohesion and undermine Nigeria’s standing.”
