THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied reports that its C-130 aircraft violated Burkina Faso’s airspace, insisting that the landing in the West African country was a precautionary measure taken in line with international aviation standards.
In a statement issued today, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame explained that shortly after departing Lagos for Portugal yesterday, the crew detected a technical issue that required an immediate diversion.
The crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso—the nearest available airfield—in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
Amid reports that Burkinabe authorities had detained the 11 crew members onboard the aircraft, Ejodame clarified that the personnel were safe and had been treated with courtesy by local officials.
He added that plans were underway for the mission to continue as scheduled.
NAF expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to strict adherence to operational and safety guidelines.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from the Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger which earlier condemned the aircraft’s emergency landing.
In a joint statement, the alliance claimed the Nigerian C-130 entered Burkinabe airspace without authorisation and labelled the incident an unfriendly act.
The bloc also said it had placed its air forces on maximum alert and authorised them to neutralise any aircraft violating its airspace.