C-130 Hercules Diverted to Burkina Faso After In-Flight Glitch, Not Grounded, Crew Safe- NAF
In a statement issued on 9 December 2025, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) clarified that a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft that diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso on Monday was not grounded or detained, but instead made a precautionary landing due to a technical concern detected shortly after takeoff from Lagos. The landing, according to the NAF, was executed “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”
“The aircraft — on a ferry mission to Portugal — landed at the nearest suitable airfield after the crew identified a technical issue”, the Air Force said. The NAF confirmed that all personnel on board are safe and have received “cordial treatment” from Burkinabe authorities. Arrangements are underway for the mission to resume as scheduled.
However, that account conflicts sharply with an earlier statement from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), representing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The AES alleged that the aircraft entered Burkina Faso airspace without authorisation, forcing Burkinabe forces to detain the aircraft and its crew. According to the AES, the plane carried two crew members and nine military passengers (11 Nigerian servicemen) and was seized after being “forced to land” under what they described as an “in-flight emergency situation.”
In its broadcast, the AES said a preliminary investigation confirmed the absence of overflight clearance, calling the episode a “violation of airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.” It added that air-defence and anti-aircraft systems across the confederation had been placed on maximum alert and that any future infraction would be met with force.
NAF — through its spokesman Ehimen Ejodame — rejected those claims. The Air Force insisted the landing was a routine safety precaution and not an unauthorized incursion, emphasising its adherence to international aviation protocols and its constitutional duty.
The divergence in narratives has raised concerns over possible diplomatic friction between Abuja and Ouagadougou, at a sensitive time for regional relations. While NAF appeals for calm and promises an orderly continuation of the ferry mission, the AES has characterised the occurrence as a serious breach of sovereign airspace.
As at the time of filing this report, the aircraft remained on the ground in Bobo-Dioulasso and the fate of the Nigerian personnel remained unclear, pending further investigation.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
