…No, NÀF C-130 Aircraft was forced to land for violating its airspace , AES says earlier
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday clarified reports on the diversion of one of its C-130 aircraft during a ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025, and assured the public that the crew is safe and that the aircraft’s diversion was purely precautionary.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame who made the clarification ín a statement explained that shortly after takeoff from Lagos, the aircrew detected a technical concern that required prompt attention. In strict adherence to established safety protocols and international aviation procedures, the crew initiated a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable airfield, which was the Bobo-Dioulasso Airport in Burkina Faso.
Air Commodore Ejodame noted that the NAF personnel were warmly received by host authorities, adding that they have remained safe and in good condition since the aircraft’s landing.
He further stated that plans are currently underway to resume the ferry mission once all necessary technical assessments are completed. The Nigerian Air Force expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support extended during the period and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to professionalism, operational excellence, and adherence to global aviation safety standards.
According to the statement, the diversion underscores the Service’s priority on the wellbeing of its personnel and its dedication to maintaining the highest safety procedures while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
This explanation follows condemnation of the Nigerian Forces by the Alliance of Sahel States, also known as the Confederation of Sahel States for violating its airspace.
The Government of Burkina Faso and Confederation of Sahel States said last night that a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land in the country on Monday after reportedly violating its airspace.
The news was reported by the Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, which published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States.
The statement which was translated from French, read as follows:, “The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.”
The statement added that an investigation by Burkinabe authorities “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.”
The Alliance of Sahel States, which is also known as the Confederation of Sahel States. condemned the incident as a violation of sovereignty, saying it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States.”
The body warned that “air and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederate space put on maximum alert…were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the Confederate space.”