A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 Hercules transport aircraft en route to Portugal executed a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8 after the crew detected a technical anomaly shortly after departing from Lagos. All crew members are reported safe and have been extended hospitable assistance by local authorities.
The incident occurred during a routine ferry mission, a standard procedure for relocating military aircraft for maintenance, upgrades, or operational repositioning. The NAF has operated the Lockheed C-130 Hercules since the 1970s, with the versatile four-engine turboprop serving as a cornerstone of its airlift capabilities for troop transport, cargo delivery, and humanitarian missions across Africa and beyond.
This particular flight was part of ongoing efforts to maintain the fleet’s readiness amid Nigeria’s security commitments in the region. In an official press release issued today, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, emphasized that the diversion adhered strictly to international aviation safety protocols. “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield,” the statement read. It highlighted that such measures are embedded in standard operating procedures to prioritize crew and aircraft safety.
The press statement reads in part, “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 which 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 have received cordial treatment from the host 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.”
According to Ejodame, the choice of Bobo-Dioulasso—Burkina Faso’s second-largest city and home to an international airport—reflects prudent airmanship, as it provided the closest suitable runway capable of accommodating the C-130’s landing requirements.
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Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation grappling with its own security challenges including jihadist insurgencies, has maintained diplomatic ties with Nigeria, facilitating the cordial reception of the NAF personnel.NAF officials confirmed that repair assessments and logistical arrangements are underway to resume the mission without significant delays. “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” the release assured, underscoring the force’s unwavering adherence to safety standards while fulfilling its constitutional role in national defense.
This event comes amid heightened regional air operations, with the NAF increasingly involved in multinational efforts against terrorism in the Sahel. No further details on the specific technical issue have been disclosed, pending a full investigation, which is routine for such diversions.
The Nigerian Air Force expressed gratitude for the support from Burkinabè authorities and reiterated its commitment to professional excellence. The public has been urged to disregard unverified reports, with updates promised through official channels.
