The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft carrying 11 soldiers, which was temporarily detained in Burkina Faso, is now back on its mission to Portugal. The plane safely left Burkina Faso and made a scheduled stop in Accra, Ghana, before continuing its journey.
The aircraft had made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on December 8 due to technical issues, following international aviation safety protocols. However, the plane and its crew were briefly detained by Burkina Faso authorities.
Mali junta leader Assimi Goïta, speaking for the Confederation of Sahel States, called the landing an “unfriendly act in defiance of international law.” The situation was resolved after a Nigerian government delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Burkina Faso junta leader Ibrahim Traoré in Ouagadougou on December 17.
After their release, the aircraft flew safely to Accra and is now preparing for the next stops in Banjul and Casablanca before reaching Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations, assured that all personnel are safe and the aircraft remains fully operational.
Ejodame also thanked the public for their concern and support, emphasizing that the Nigerian Air Force continues to operate with the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
