Burkina Faso Did Not Ground NAF C-130 As Erroneously Reported, NAF Clarifies

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has debunked media reports claiming that Burkinabe authorities grounded a NAF C-130 aircraft for allegedly entering the country’s airspace without authorisation.

Several online platforms had reported that a Nigerian Air Force C-130, carrying 11 military personnel, was forced to land on Monday by the Government of Burkina Faso.

The reports, quoting Agence d’Information du Burkina and attributed to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), suggested that the aircraft’s presence in Burkinabe airspace constituted a violation of sovereignty.

The translated AES statement claimed that the aircraft “was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace”.

It added that the C-130 had two crew members and nine passengers—all Nigerian military personnel.

Burkinabe authorities further stated that a preliminary inquiry indicated the aircraft did not possess overflight clearance, prompting the AES to condemn what it described as an infringement on the sovereignty of its member states.

The bloc also announced that its air and anti-aircraft defence systems had been placed on maximum alert and warned that they were “authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the Confederate space”.

However, in a swift response, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, dismissed the reports as misleading.

He clarified that the aircraft was not grounded by Burkina Faso but had diverted there due to a technical issue during a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8, 2025.

He explained: “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso—the nearest available airfield—in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”

Ejodame added that plans were already underway for the aircraft to continue its mission as scheduled.

He reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force appreciates the cooperation extended by Burkinabe authorities and assured the public of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to operational professionalism, stringent safety standards, and the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.