he Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained that the precautionary landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was due to a technical issue and carried out in line with international aviation protocols.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, said the aircraft, en route to Portugal on December 8, diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso after the crew detected a “technical concern.” He stressed that the landing followed “standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”
Contrary to reports that Burkinabe authorities detained 11 personnel for airspace violation, Ejodame confirmed that all crew members were safe and had received “cordial treatment” from local officials. He added that plans were underway to resume the mission as scheduled.
NAF expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — issued a joint statement condemning the incident as an “unfriendly act.” The bloc claimed the Nigerian aircraft lacked authorization to enter Burkinabe airspace and announced that its air forces had been placed on maximum alert, with orders to “neutralise any aircraft” violating confederal territory.
The incident highlights mounting tensions between Nigeria and the AES, which has increasingly asserted control over its airspace amid regional security concerns.
