𝗡𝗔𝗙 C-130 AIRCRAFT ARRIVES IN PORTUGAL AFTER BURKINA FASO DETENTION 🇳🇬✈️

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 Hercules transport aircraft has successfully continued its journey to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance after being temporarily detained in Burkina Faso earlier this month.
The aircraft, which was on a routine ferry flight from Lagos to Portugal, made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, 2025, following a technical concern detected mid-flight. The Nigerian Air Force later clarified that the stop was carried out in accordance with international aviation safety protocols and that there was no emergency onboard.

Detention and Diplomatic Engagements
Burkinabè authorities initially detained the aircraft and the 11 personnel on board, alleging that the aircraft had entered the country’s airspace without proper authorisation, a claim that the NAF denied while asserting that the landing was safety-related.

The situation drew significant diplomatic attention, prompting high-level engagement between Nigerian officials and Burkina Faso’s transitional leadership. A Nigerian government delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar engaged counterparts in Ouagadougou to secure the release of the aircraft and crew.

Resumption of Ferry Mission
Following diplomatic efforts, the aircraft departed Burkina Faso and landed safely in Accra, Ghana, as part of an updated and revised flight plan to continue its journey. It later transited through Banjul, The Gambia, and Casablanca, Morocco, before finally arriving in Portugal, where it is scheduled to undergo depot maintenance to ensure long-term airworthiness and operational readiness.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that all personnel on board remained safe throughout the process and that the aircraft remained serviceable, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and aviation protocol compliance.

The incident — which stemmed from a precautionary diversion due to technical issues — highlights the complexity of military aviation operations and regional airspace regulations. It also underlines the importance of diplomatic engagement and adherence to international safety standards in navigating unforeseen events during military logistics flights.