The Nigerian Air Force has said the unscheduled landing of one of its C-130 transport aircraft in Burkina Faso was a precautionary measure taken after the crew detected a technical fault shortly after departing Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at Air Force Headquarters, rejected reports suggesting the aircraft had violated Burkinabe airspace or that its personnel had been detained.
According to Ejodame, the aircraft was en route to Portugal on a ferry mission on 8 December 2025 when the crew identified what he described as a “technical concern”. He said the pilots opted for an immediate landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, the nearest available airfield, in line with standard aviation safety procedures and international protocols.
Local reports had claimed that 11 Nigerian crew members were being held for entering the country without authorisation. However, Ejodame said all personnel “are safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities”.
He added that arrangements were under way for the mission to resume once the aircraft had been cleared to continue its journey.
The Air Force expressed gratitude for public support and emphasised its commitment to maintaining strict operational procedures and safety standards.
