The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 transport aircraft and its 11-member crew, who were detained in Burkina Faso following a precautionary landing, have landed safely in Accra, Ghana, and are preparing to continue their journey to Portugal as part of their original mission plan.
✈️ Background of the Incident
On 8 December 2025, the NAF C-130 was en route from Lagos, Nigeria, to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance when the crew detected a technical issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft made a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso Airport in Burkina Faso — the nearest suitable airfield — in accordance with standard aviation safety procedures.
Authorities in Burkina Faso subsequently detained the aircraft and crew, prompting a diplomatic response from Abuja.
🤝 Diplomatic Engagement and Release
Following sustained diplomatic efforts led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and a delegation sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the situation was resolved. Burkina Faso’s authorities agreed to release the aircraft and crew.
🛬 Technical Stopover in Ghana
On 19 December 2025, the NAF confirmed that the C-130 and crew had departed Bobo-Dioulasso and arrived safely in Accra, Ghana, as part of an updated flight plan. The stop in Ghana is a technical layover ahead of the continuation of the mission.
According to official statements:
- All personnel remain safe, and the aircraft is confirmed serviceable and airworthy.
- The aircraft is expected to proceed to Portugal via Banjul (The Gambia) and Casablanca (Morocco) for its scheduled depot maintenance.
📌 Official Remarks
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, reiterated that the precautionary landing and subsequent movements were carried out in compliance with international aviation safety protocols, and emphasised the safety and professionalism of the crew and service throughout the process.
References
• Aircraft ‘Detained’ in Burkina Faso Resumes Journey to Portugal — NAF, Channels Television — https://www.channelstv.com/2025/12/19/aircraft-detained-in-burkina-faso-resumes-journey-to-portugal-naf/amp/ Channels Television
• NAF C-130 aircraft released from Burkina Faso lands in Ghana, The Nation Newspaper — https://thenationonlineng.net/naf-c-130-aircraft-released-from-burkina-faso-lands-in-ghana/ The Nation Newspaper
• NAF Aircraft Departs Burkina Faso for Portugal — Military Confirms, PRNigeria News — https://prnigeria.com/2025/12/19/naf-aircraft-departs-burkina/ PRNigeria News
• NAF C-130 Resumes Journey After Precautionary Landing in Burkina Faso, TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/naf-c-130-resumes-journey-after-precautionary-landing-in-burkina-faso/ Trending News
• Why NAF’s C-130 Made a Precautionary Landing in Burkina Faso, The Nation Newspaper — https://thenationonlineng.net/naf-why-our-aircraft-made-precautionary-landing-in-burkina-faso/ The Nation Newspaper
