The Federal Government says it is investigating reports that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 transport aircraft was compelled to land in Burkina Faso following an alleged breach of the country’s airspace.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that officials were still piecing together the details of what transpired.
“We are following the situation closely. Once we have verified the necessary facts, an official statement will be issued,” Ebienfa assured.
Earlier reports indicated that the military authorities in Burkina Faso, acting through the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), accused Nigeria of flying a military aircraft into their airspace without prior clearance. The incident reportedly triggered emergency protocols.
According to information released by the Agence d’Information du Burkina, the aircraft—with two crew members and nine soldiers onboard—executed an emergency landing in the city of Bobo Dioulasso on December 8, 2025.
“The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 was compelled to land in Bobo Dioulasso after declaring an in-flight emergency while inside Burkinabe airspace,” the AES statement said.
Burkina Faso’s authorities insisted the aircraft lacked the required overflight authorisation, describing the situation as a serious violation of their territorial integrity. The AES strongly condemned the incident, emphasising that the sovereignty of its member nations must be respected.
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The confederation added that its air and anti-aircraft defence units had been placed on heightened alert and instructed to “neutralise any aircraft that violates the airspace of the Confederation.”
