Technical issue, not interception caused landing in Burkina Faso – NAF

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed widespread media reports suggesting that Burkinabe authorities grounded one of its C-130 transport aircraft for allegedly violating the country’s airspace.

Earlier on Monday, several online platforms circulated claims—citing Agence d’Information du Burkina and a statement attributed to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES)—that the aircraft, which had 11 Nigerian military personnel onboard, was forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso for entering Burkina Faso without clearance.

The translated AES statement alleged that the C-130 “was forced to land on December 8, 2025, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace,” and further insisted that the aircraft lacked overflight authorisation. The bloc subsequently announced that its defence systems were on maximum alert and warned that any unauthorised aircraft risked being “neutralised.”

But reacting swiftly, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, described the reports as misleading and inaccurate. He clarified that the aircraft was neither intercepted nor grounded by Burkina Faso.

According to him, the C-130 diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso solely because the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos for Portugal on a ferry mission. He explained that the pilot opted for a precautionary landing at the closest available airfield, in line with global aviation safety protocols.

“The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” Ejodame said, adding that arrangements were already in motion for the continuation of the mission.

He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to operational professionalism, strict adherence to safety procedures, and the protection of its personnel as it carries out its constitutional responsibilities.