The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has issued its first formal response to the controversy surrounding a Nigerian military aircraft currently in Burkina Faso, clarifying that the plane landed there due to technical concerns and not because it violated regional airspace rules.
Okay News reports that the statement was released on Tuesday morning by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The development follows accusations from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), the regional bloc formed by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic, which claimed on Monday that a NAF C-130 aircraft carrying 11 Nigerian soldiers had illegally entered Burkinabe airspace. AES further stated that the aircraft was “forced to land” in Bobo Dioulasso and warned that any future violations would be met with hostile action.
AES leader Assimi Goita ordered air and anti-aircraft defences across the confederation to remain on maximum alert, authorising them to neutralise any aircraft deemed to be in breach of AES airspace. In its statement, the bloc said, “The Confederation of the Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”
But NAF has now countered that narrative, saying the landing was a routine safety procedure. According to Air Commodore Ejodame, the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos and chose the nearest available airfield, in accordance with international aviation guidelines.
“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,” 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. NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”
He added that the personnel on board were in good condition and would resume their scheduled ferry mission to Europe once technical inspections were complete. “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.”
The incident unfolded shortly after the failed coup attempt in Benin Republic, where Nigeria had carried out air strikes on fleeing plotters at the request of Beninese authorities. It remains unclear whether the aircraft that landed in Burkina Faso was connected to those earlier operations.
