By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has broken its silence regarding the grounding of one of its military transport aircraft, a C-130, by Burkina Faso.
This is as the NAF revealed that the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was precautionary and followed due process.
The New Diplomat had reported earlier that the incident saw the NAF plane carrying 11 military personnel forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
The development has sparked a diplomatic tension, with the AES alliance condemning the act as a grave breach of their collective sovereignty.
Reacting, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft landed in the West African country due to a “technical concern”.
“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.
Ejodame added that all the NAF crew “is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities”.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” the statement read in part.
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.
