By Babs Oyetoro
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has firmly dismissed allegations by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) that its C-130 transport aircraft violated Burkinabe airspace, insisting the crew made a routine precautionary landing after detecting a technical fault.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8 when the crew observed a “technical concern” shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
He explained that, in line with international aviation procedures, the pilots diverted to the nearest available airfield in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Ejodame stressed that the diversion was neither hostile nor unauthorised. “The precautionary landing was executed strictly in accordance with established safety protocols and international aviation standards,” he noted, adding that all 11 crew members were safe and had received “cordial treatment” from Burkinabe authorities.
His clarification followed a sharply worded statement from the AES — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — alleging that the Nigerian aircraft entered their airspace without clearance and describing the landing as an “unfriendly act.”
The bloc claimed its air and air-defence units were placed on maximum alert and authorised to “neutralise any aircraft” violating its airspace.
NAF officials, however, rejected the claim, maintaining that the mission followed proper procedures and posed no threat to any state. The Force reiterated that ongoing plans were in place to rectify the technical issue and resume the aircraft’s journey.
The incident has heightened diplomatic sensitivity in a region already strained by shifting alliances and heightened military postures among Sahel governments. Nigeria’s foreign affairs authorities are monitoring the situation amid calls for calm and factual engagement.
NAF thanked Nigerians for their concern, assuring the public of its unwavering adherence to operational standards and commitment to safety.
