On Tuesday morning, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF spokesperson, issued a statement clarifying the incident.
Earlier reports indicated that the Confederation of Sahel States (AES)—a military alliance of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger (countries suspended from ECOWAS)—had accused a Nigerian aircraft carrying 11 soldiers of illegally entering Burkina Faso’s airspace.
The AES, in a statement endorsed by Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goita, confirmed the Nigerian aircraft was forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday. Goita also issued an order for any violating aircraft within AES airspace to be neutralized.
The AES statement strongly condemned the incident as a violation of its airspace and sovereignty, viewing it as an “unfriendly act” contrary to international aviation rules. The AES announced that their aerial and anti-aircraft defenses were placed on maximum alert and authorized to “neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space.”
In response to these accusations, Air Commodore Ejodame denied any deliberate airspace breach. He clarified that the NAF C-130 aircraft, which was on a mission to ferry to Portugal, was forced to make an emergency landing due to a technical safety issue.
NAF’s Official Explanation:
• The aircraft crew noticed a “technical concern” after taking off from Lagos.
• This issue required a precautionary landing at the nearest airport, Bobo-Dioulasso, which adheres to standard safety procedures.
• The NAF crew is safe and has been treated cordially by the Burkinabe authorities.
• Plans are in motion for the crew to shortly resume their journey to Europe.
The NAF assured the public of its professional commitment to safety standards and compliance with operational procedures.
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