The Nigerian Air Force, NAF has clarified that its C-130 transport aircraft made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on Monday 8 December after the crew detected a technical concern shortly after takeoff from Lagos.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame who made this known in a statement explained that the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when the crew opted to divert in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
Air Commodore Ejodame said the aircrew landed safely and had since received cordial support from Burkinabe authorities.
He noted that plans were ongoing to resume the mission once technical checks were completed.
Air Commodore Ejodame reassured the public that the NAF remained committed to strict compliance with operational and safety standards while ensuring the protection of its personnel in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has stated that it is investigating the incident following reports from Burkina Faso that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso after allegedly violating the country’s airspace.
Speaking to journalists on the matter in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that officials were still gathering details on the issue.
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