Burkina Faso authorities have grounded a Nigerian Air Force C-130 military aircraft after it allegedly entered the country’s airspace without clearance, sparking diplomatic tension in the Sahel region.
The incident occurred on Monday in Bobo-Dioulasso, where the aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel — including two crew members and nine passengers — reportedly made an emergency landing, according to Agence d’Information du Burkina.
Officials from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) said preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft lacked authorisation to traverse Burkina Faso’s airspace. The development was described as a violation of national sovereignty, prompting strong condemnation from the authorities.
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The regional bloc added that its air defence and anti-aircraft systems have been placed on high alert, warning that any future breaches would be met with decisive military action.
As of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor the Federal Government of Nigeria has issued an official statement on the incident.
