NAF Denies Aircraft Seizure In Burkina Faso, Says Jet Made Precautionary Landing
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed reports claiming that its C-130 aircraft was seized in Burkina Faso, asserting that the crew executed a precautionary landing after detecting a technical issue.
Earlier, THE WHISTLER reported that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) accused the aircraft of entering Burkinabe airspace without authorisation on December 8, 2025.
In its communiqué, the AES condemned the entry “with the greatest firmness,” describing it as “a violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”
The bloc also labelled the incident “an unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law and aviation regulations.”
The statement from the AES, signed by General Assimi Goïta in Bamako, said the actions taken were necessary “to guarantee the security of the confederal airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES.”
Responding to the allegation, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame explained that the crew diverted the aircraft to avoid an in-flight emergency, not to breach any country’s airspace.
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He clarified that the aircraft had been enroute to Portugal on a scheduled ferry mission for maintenance when the crew detected a technical concern that required an immediate landing at the nearest available airfield.
He stated, “The Nigerian Air Force wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission on 8 December 2025 to Portugal for maintenance.
“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.
“NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled.”
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The incident occurred amid heightened political tension in West Africa, following a failed coup attempt in the Benin Republic less than 24 hours earlier.
Nigeria had deployed military support to Benin to safeguard the country’s democratic government, a move that intensified regional security sensitivity.
Reaffirming NAF’s operational posture, Ejodame stressed that the force remains committed to professional conduct, adherence to aviation safety standards, and protection of its personnel in the course of fulfilling its constitutional duties.