The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completely refuted the claim that its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso has been grounded over violation of airspace.
Recall that it was reported on Monday, December 8, 2025, Nigerian Air Force aircraft were forced to land in Burkan Faso by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), an ECOWAS rival group, who reportedly detained 11 Nigerian soldiers.
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According to sources, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, Nigerian troops were reportedly detained after stopping a military takeover in the Benin Republic.
However, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information at Headquarters, stated that the C-130 aircraft’s landing in Burkina Faso was precautionary and according to due process.
Air Commodore Ejodame said the aircraft landed in Burkina Faso due to a “technical concern”.
As reported by Channels Television, Ejodame said in a statement title, “Safe precautionary landing of NAF C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso”, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Additionally, he stated that the NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“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.
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NAF thanked Nigerians for the support “received during this period” and assured the public that it remained professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.
Earlier, the allied military-led nations of the AES denounced the emergency landing of a Nigerian military aircraft in Burkina Faso on Monday, while collectively threatening action against violations of their airspace.
This development comes only few days after a military jet tragically crashed in Niger state, throwing the Nigerian military into a state of mourning and grief.
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