C-130: NAF gives fresh update after Burkina Faso stopover

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says arrangements are now in place for its C-130 aircraft to resume its trip to Portugal after it made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso on Monday due to a technical issue.

Burkina Faso authorities had earlier claimed the aircraft entered their airspace without clearance and was detained along with the crew.

However, a fresh statement on Tuesday by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, clarified that the landing was purely for safety reasons and followed international aviation procedures.

Ejodame said the crew noticed a technical concern shortly after taking off from Lagos and diverted to the closest airport in Bobo-Dioulasso.

“The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” he said. “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.”

NAF also denied violating Burkina Faso’s airspace, insisting the diversion was necessary to protect both personnel and equipment.

Meanwhile, reports from Burkina Faso’s Agence d’Information du Burkina claim the aircraft was carrying 11 military personnel and entered the country without proper authorisation. Officials from the Confederation of Sahel States described the entry as a breach of sovereignty and placed their air-defence systems on high alert.

Despite the diplomatic tension, NAF says the situation is under control and the aircraft will continue its journey once technical checks are completed.