The Nigerian Airforce has explained that Air Force (NAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft on a ferry mission to Portugal was diverted to Burkina Faso on Monday, following a technical concern observed shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft, which departed from Lagos, Nigeria, on December 8, 2025, executed a precautionary landing at the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield.
The move, according to an official statement from the NAF, was conducted “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, clarified the incident.
He emphasized that the diversion was a proactive safety measure taken after the crew identified the unspecified technical issue.
“NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities in Burkina Faso,” the statement confirmed, highlighting the cooperative reception by Burkinabé officials.
The C-130 was on a long-distance ferry flight to Portugal at the time of the incident. Such flights are routine for transport, maintenance, or training purposes.
Air Commodore Ejodame assured the public that plans are already in motion to resolve the technical matter and resume the planned mission. “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Air Force used the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to operational safety. “The Nigerian Air Force… 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.”
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