by The Ajasa News | December 9, 2025 2:58 pm
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its C-130 crew is preparing to depart Burkina Faso, bringing clarity and calm after a routine safety landing ignited diplomatic tensions across the Sahel.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso shortly after takeoff from Lagos on 8 December 2025 when the crew detected a technical issue. He emphasised that the precautionary landing followed global aviation standards, stressing that flight safety will always remain the force’s top priority.
According to Ejodame, contrary to speculative reports, all 11 crew members have been treated courteously by Burkinabe authorities and have remained safe throughout their stay. “The team is safe and has received cordial treatment from host authorities,” he said, adding that plans have been finalised for the aircraft to resume its ferry mission to Portugal.
The emergency landing, however, stirred unease among members of the Alliance of Sahel States — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — who jointly criticised the unscheduled entry into Burkinabe airspace. Their statement described the incident as an “unfriendly act” and warned that their air forces had been instructed to “neutralise any aircraft” that violates their airspace without clearance.
NAF dismissed the tensions as unnecessary, maintaining that aircraft facing technical emergencies are permitted under international aviation law to land at the nearest safe airport without prior authorisation.
Ejodame thanked Nigerians for their concern and reaffirmed that the NAF remains committed to strict adherence to safety protocols and professional conduct during international operations.
With the aircraft now cleared to continue its journey, defence analysts say the episode underscores both the professionalism of the NAF crew and the increasingly sensitive nature of regional airspace politics in West Africa.
Source URL: https://theajasanews.com/naf-crew-cleared-to-depart-burkina-faso-after-emergency-landing-amid-regional-tensions/
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