The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft released on Thursday by Burkinabe authorities after diplomatic engagement with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has arrived in Ghana.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said the aircraft departed the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield in Burkina Faso on Friday evening and landed safely in Accra in line with an updated flight plan.
According to Ejodame, the stopover in Ghana is part of preparations for the aircraft’s onward journey to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for scheduled depot maintenance.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance,” the statement said.
“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,” it added.
The development follows a diplomatic misunderstanding between Nigeria and Burkina Faso after the NAF aircraft made a precautionary landing in the Sahelian country on December 8.
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The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) had described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”
However, the NAF clarified that the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance when it diverted to the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield after the crew detected a technical issue a few hours after departing Lagos.
Ejodame explained that Bobo-Dioulasso was the nearest available airfield at the time, stressing that the diversion was carried out in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
“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 the NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.
Despite the explanation, allegations of espionage circulated online, suggesting that the aircraft was forced to land by Burkinabe authorities over alleged intelligence activities.
Some online reports claimed the operation was backed by foreign powers and questioned the NAF’s explanation that the flight was strictly for maintenance purposes.
A credible source at NAF Headquarters dismissed the claims, describing them as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts.”
The source said the flight was fully covered by all required documentation, including provisions for diversion, in accordance with international aviation rules.
He added that the precautionary landing was initiated solely on safety grounds and complied fully with standard aviation protocols.
“At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorisation. Claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment,” the source said.
The source also described allegations of espionage, signals intelligence operations and foreign sponsorship as baseless, insisting that the personnel onboard were regular aircrew and mission-support officers on a legitimate military air movement.
According to him, the aircraft was not equipped with any surveillance or data-gathering systems, and the conduct of both the crew and Burkinabe authorities showed nothing clandestine about the mission.
“Contrary to online speculation, there was no official statement from the NAF claiming that the crew had been released. Matters relating to the aircraft and its personnel were being responsibly handled by relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels,” he said.
The source warned that the continued circulation of false claims appeared to be a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust and straining regional relations.
The issue was eventually resolved on Wednesday, December 16, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar to meet Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré.
Both sides reached an amicable resolution, leading to the release of the aircraft and its crew by Burkinabe authorities on Friday, December 19.
