The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has issued a statement after its aircraft and 11 Nigerian soldiers were detained in Burkina Faso on Monday, December 8, 2025.
This comes after the AES comprising Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all currently under military rule, confirmed that Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force violated Burkinabe airspace and conducted an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, 2025.
The Nigerian Air Force has now clarified reports of the diversion of one of its aircraft (C-130 aircraft) to Burkina Faso, explaining that the action was a precautionary measure taken in strict accordance with standard safety and international aviation protocols.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the personnel on board the aircraft that landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, are safe and receiving cordial treatment from Burkinabe authorities.
The statement said the aircraft, which was on a ferry mission to Portugal, made a precautionary landing after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos on 8 December 2025.
Air Commodore Ehimen also said that the crew diverted to the nearest airfield in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force 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. The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“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.”
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