Nigerian Air Force says safety concerns forced crew to land in Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Monday that one of its transport aircraft entered Burkina Faso’s airspace and landed there after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos.

The clarification came a few hours after the Confederation of Sahel States, the regional bloc made up of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, accused Nigeria of violating Burkina Faso airspace with an aircraft carrying 11 soldiers.

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According to the Air Force, the C130 aircraft was on a routine ferry mission to Portugal when the crew noticed the issue and opted for “a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, the nearest airfield.”

Ehimen Ejodame, the director of public relations at the Air Force, said the decision was in line with international aviation rules.

“The crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” Ejodame said. “The crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”

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Officials said the aircraft will continue its trip to Portugal once engineers complete the necessary checks.

“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” the air force added. “The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that it remains committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.”

The incident drew attention after the Sahel alliance said it had authorised its members to neutralise any foreign aircraft that violated their airspace. That warning fuelled concern that the unplanned landing could escalate into a diplomatic dispute between Nigeria and the Sahel bloc.

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For now, both sides have kept their statements measured, while Abuja stresses that the landing was a safety decision, not a hostile act.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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