The Federal Government of Nigeria has contradicted Burkina Faso’s claims regarding the alleged violation of airspace by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, which resulted in the detention of 11 military personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) explaining what the development that led to the forceful landing of one of its military transport aircraft, a C-130, by the government of Burkina Faso, said it didn’t breach any airspace law.
The NAF, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 revealed that the landing of the Nigerian military aircraft C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was precautionary and followed due process.
The controversy began after the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), a bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, issued a statement revealing that a Nigerian C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft was forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on Monday, December 8, 2025, after an “unauthorised” entry into their airspace. The statement condemned the act as a grave violation of sovereignty.
The statement, translated from French, reads in part: “The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, Monday, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.”
However, Nigeria has contradicted Burkina Faso’s claim, saying that the aircraft landed in the West African country due to a “technical concern”.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” Ejodame said in a statement on Tuesday.
Ejodame added that all the NAF crew “is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities”.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
NAF thanked Nigerians for the support “received during this period” and assured the public that it remained professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the development comes amid a frosty relationship between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, including members of the AES.
The cause of the frosty relationship is said to be rooted in regional dynamics and Nigeria’s leadership role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Recall that the AES is a confederation formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the three West African nations currently led by military juntas following coups d’état.
Nigeria, as a leading member of ECOWAS, had strongly opposed the coups in these countries. ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on the AES member states, which led to their official withdrawal from ECOWAS.
