Air space violation: Tension as Burkina Faso, Nigeria govt disagree over intercepted aircraft, soldiers

The Nigerian authorities has denied it C-130 aircraft with 11 military personnel onboard was grounded in Burkina Faso for airspace violation.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force said the aircraft made a “precautionary landing” in Bobo-Dioulasso, due to ” technical concerns”.

“The Nigerian Air Force 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 which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”

The statement added that the personnel on board the aircraft are safe and receiving cordial treatment from Burkinabe authorities.

“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.”

Government of Burkina Faso had stated that a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land in the country on Monday after violating its airspace.

The incident, which has raised fresh tensions between Nigeria and the military regimes in the Sahel, was disclosed in a late-night statement issued by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — the confederation formed by Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali after cutting ties with ECOWAS. 

According to the AES, the Nigerian Air Force aircraft was intercepted after it was operating in Burkinabe airspace and forced to land following what authorities described as an in-flight emergency situation.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States informs the public that an aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a C130 type, was forced to land today, 8 December 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation, while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace,” the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) said in a statement late Monday.