By our correspondant
Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has confirmed the departure of one of its C-130 aircraft and 11 crew members from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following what it described as a precautionary landing in the West African country.
In a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft departed Burkina Faso on Thursday evening and arrived safely in Accra, Ghana, in line with an updated flight plan. He explained that the aircraft is preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism,” Ejodame stated.
The confirmation by the Air Force came amid public interest and speculation surrounding the aircraft’s presence in Burkina Faso, particularly given the country’s current political climate and ongoing regional security challenges.
Subsequently, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also confirmed the aircraft’s departure, attributing the successful exit to diplomatic engagements by Nigeria’s Embassy in Burkina Faso and officials in Abuja.
In a brief statement, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told journalists that the aircraft had left Burkina Faso with all 11 crew members on board and made a technical stopover in Accra. According to him, the aircraft is scheduled to proceed to Portugal as planned.
“The aircraft is on ground in Accra, Ghana, for a technical stopover. It will proceed tomorrow as planned to Portugal,” Ebienfa said.
The aircraft’s mission and activities in Burkina Faso had earlier generated controversy, with reports pointing to a diplomatic disconnect that delayed clarity on the situation. However, both the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have now confirmed that the matter has been resolved and that the crew are en route without incident.
Nigeria remains actively involved in regional security cooperation, including counter-terrorism operations across West Africa, with the Air Force playing a key role in logistics, airlift, and strategic support missions across the sub-region.
