The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday confirmed that its C‑130 transport aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo‑Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, has resumed its journey, easing concerns over the status of the aircraft and its crew.
In a statement, NAF spokesman Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft departed Bobo‑Dioulasso on Friday evening and arrived safely in Accra, Ghana, in line with an updated flight plan.
“The Nigerian Air Force 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 the updated flight plan,” the statement read.
Ejodame added that the aircraft is now preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca, where it is scheduled to undergo routine depot maintenance.
The development followed heightened public attention after reports emerged about the aircraft’s unexpected landing in Burkina Faso, prompting diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Burkinabé authorities.
According to NAF, the landing was purely a precautionary measure carried out in accordance with international aviation safety standards. The service stressed that there was no emergency and that the aircraft remained serviceable throughout.
Providing further reassurance, the Air Force said all personnel on board remained safe and that the aircraft was fit to continue its mission.
“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 statement added.
Following the landing, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar led a Nigerian delegation to Ouagadougou on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Tuggar met with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and later briefed journalists on the outcome of the talks.
The NAF crew had reportedly been detained after the Alliance of Sahel States criticised the emergency landing of a Nigerian military aircraft in Burkina Faso.