The Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft earlier held by authorities in Burkina Faso has continued its journey, landing in Accra, Ghana, after being cleared to depart the Sahel nation.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that the aircraft left the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield on Friday evening and touched down safely in Accra in line with a revised flight schedule.
According to him, the stop in Ghana is part of arrangements for the aircraft’s onward trip to Portugal through Banjul and Casablanca, where it is due for routine depot maintenance.
The statement read: **”The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is pleased to confirm that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with updated flight plan, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”**
The aircraft had been at the centre of a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Burkina Faso after it made a precautionary landing in the country on December 8. The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) initially described the action as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”
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However, the NAF later clarified that the aircraft was on a scheduled flight to Portugal for maintenance when the crew noticed a technical issue shortly after departing Lagos, forcing a diversion to the nearest suitable airport in Bobo-Dioulasso.
Ejodame said the decision to land in Burkina Faso followed standard aviation safety procedures and international protocols, stressing that the crew acted in the best interest of safety.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that the NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.
Despite the explanation, social media was awash with claims that the aircraft was involved in espionage activities. Some reports alleged that Burkinabe authorities forced it to land over suspected covert intelligence operations, with claims of foreign backing. These accusations were later dismissed by credible sources at NAF Headquarters.
To resolve the impasse, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, December 16, dispatched a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to meet Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré. Following the talks, both countries reached an amicable understanding, leading to the release of the aircraft and its crew on Friday, December 19.
With its arrival in Accra, the NAF aircraft is now set to continue its journey to Portugal to complete its scheduled maintenance.
