- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has broken its silence after its aircraft and 11 Nigerian soldiers were detained in Burkina Faso on Monday, December 8, 2025
- ECOWAS rival union, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), forced the Nigerian aircraft to land for allegedly violating airspace rules
- The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, has issued an official statement to address the issue
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied the claim that its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was guilty of airspace violation.
Legit.ng earlier reported that ECOWAS rival union, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), arrested 11 Nigerian soldiers after forcing Nigerian Air Force aircraft to land in Burkina Faso on Monday, December 8, 2025.
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The Nigerian soldiers were reportedly arrested after preventing a military coup in the Benin Republic on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was precautionary and followed due process.
Air Commodore Ejodame said the aircraft landed in Burkina Faso due to a “technical concern”.
As reported by Channels Television, Ejodame said in a statement titled, “Safe precautionary landing of NAF C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso”, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
He further stated that the NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern that necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”
The NAF spokesperson disclosed that plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled.
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 NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
Source: Twitter
Benin coup: Video shows rebels firing at NAF jet
Recall that a joint military force, comprising the Beninese army, the Nigerian Air Force, and French forces, foiled another coup attempt in the country’s Sahel region.
The rebel soldiers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, justified their actions by criticising President Patrice Talon’s management of the Benin Republic.
Amid President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s assistance, coup plotters reportedly fired at what appeared to be an NAF fighter jet on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Benin coup: How Nigeria deployed troops to restore order
Legit.ng also reported that Nigeria deployed fighter jets and ground troops to thwart the attempted coup in the Benin Republic.
Soldiers stormed the state television and announced the dissolution of the government before they were overpowered.
Benin Republic authorities regained control and confirmed that constitutional order had been restored.