*Why we landed in Burkina Faso – NAF
By our Correspondents
There have been confusion and fears of imminent diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) over reports of alleged grounding of Nigeria’s military aircraft in Burkina Faso.
While the media including the State-owned Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reported that the aircraft was grounded for “in-flight emergency” without prior permission, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have clarified that the aircraft landed in Burkina Faso for safety reasons.
According to the NTA’s report: “The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft was forced to land in Burkina Faso after entering the country’s airspace without authorisation.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the three military-led nations said the aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel, was intercepted and diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso airport following what was described as an “in-flight emergency” while operating in Burkinabe airspace without prior clearance.
The AES emphasised that the Nigerian aircraft had not obtained the required overflight permission, constituting a violation of Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.
The statement did not disclose the current status or location of the 11 crew members and passengers on board.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official response to the incident”.
But in a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodam, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, NAF said its crew is safe and receiving cordial treatment from the host authorities.
The statement reads “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. 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 have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate”.
