The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 transport aircraft, which earlier made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, has safely resumed its journey. In an update on Friday, NAF spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft departed Burkina Faso in the evening and landed safely in Accra, Ghana, in line with a revised flight plan.
According to the Air Force, the aircraft is now preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca, where it is scheduled to undergo routine depot maintenance. Ejodame reassured the public that all personnel on board remained safe throughout the incident and that the aircraft was fully serviceable and fit to continue its mission.
The incident had attracted public attention after reports emerged that the aircraft and its crew were detained in Burkina Faso following the unexpected landing. This prompted diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the Burkinabé authorities, with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, leading a delegation to Ouagadougou on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Tuggar met with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and later briefed journalists on the outcome of the talks.
The NAF maintained that the landing was purely precautionary and conducted in accordance with international aviation safety standards after the crew observed a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos. The Air Force dismissed claims that the aircraft violated airspace protocols, stressing that there was no emergency and that due process was followed. It also appreciated the concern shown by Nigerians, reaffirming its commitment to operating at the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
