The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has finally addressed public concerns surrounding one of its aircraft currently grounded in Burkina Faso.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the Force’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, provided official clarification on the development.

Earlier, the Confederation of Sahel States,AES, a breakaway bloc from ECOWAS, had accused a Nigerian aircraft conveying 11 soldiers of breaching Burkina Faso’s airspace.

The AES alliance comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, countries that were earlier suspended from ECOWAS following the overthrow of their democratic governments.

The AES, in a statement endorsed by Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, claimed that the Nigerian aircraft was compelled to land in Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday. Goita further ordered that any aircraft violating AES-controlled airspace should be neutralised.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.

“Faced with this unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law and international civil and/or military aviation rules, arrangements are made to guarantee the security of the Confederal airspace.

“In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the Arian and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederal space put on maximum alert, in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated December 22, 2024, were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space,” the AES statement read.

Reacting to the allegations, Air Commodore Ejodame dismissed claims of any deliberate airspace violation, explaining that the aircraft made an emergency landing due to a technical safety issue.

According to him, all personnel on board are in good condition and will proceed with their journey to Europe shortly.

“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025.

“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

“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 NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”