The NAF has addressed reports concerning a C-130 aircraft that diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, confirming the action was a precautionary landing due to the crew detecting a technical concern shortly after taking off from Lagos on December 8, 2025, while on a ferry mission to Portugal. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame stated on Tuesday that the diversion was in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols, which mandate landing at the nearest suitable airfield. The NAF assured the public that the personnel on board are safe and are being cordially treated by Burkinabe authorities.
Air Commodore Ejodame concluded that plans were underway to resume the mission as scheduled, assuring the public that the Air Force remained committed to strict operational and safety standards throughout its operations.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released a statement to clarify the diversion of its C-130 aircraft during a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8, 2025. The NAF explained that shortly after takeoff from Lagos, the crew detected a “technical concern” which required a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest suitable airfield. This action, the NAF stressed, was in strict accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The crew is reported safe and has received cordial treatment from Burkinabe authorities. The statement concluded by assuring the public that plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled and that the NAF “remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards” while protecting its personnel.
The Government of Burkina Faso, through its state-run news agency, Agence d’Information du Burkina, reported that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land in the country on Monday after reportedly violating its airspace. This development was published in a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States.
