The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the precautionary diversion of one of its C-130 aircraft during a ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force explained that shortly after takeoff from Lagos, the aircraft crew detected a technical concern requiring prompt evaluation.
Following international aviation standards and established safety protocols, the pilots executed a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable airfield — Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso.
Ejodame confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and the crew has since received warm and professional assistance from Burkina Faso’s aviation authorities.
He stressed that the diversion was strictly a precautionary measure and not an emergency situation, as the aircraft remained fully under control throughout the process.
The statement added that plans are already underway for the aircraft to resume its ferry mission once all necessary technical checks are concluded.
The Nigerian Air Force expressed appreciation to Burkina Faso’s authorities for their cooperation and reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest operational and safety standards.